**Located in the heart of the Millevaches Regional Nature Park in Corrèze, the [Peyrelevade](https://www.reforestaction.com/en/projects/2720) project aims to reconstitute a diversified forest while respecting the natural growth and renewal processes of forests. Reforest'Action chose the [Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR)](https://www.reforestaction.com/en/magazine/anr-expertise-thibaud-poulain) method to enhance 14,700 trees within this natural conservation site, which is part of the Natura 2000 protected areas network. Sasha Pinot, project manager for France at Reforest'Action, provides insight into why this method was chosen, its advantages, and the expected benefits of implementing the project within the framework of climate change adaptation.**

![Banniere-itw-Sasha.jpg](/uploads/Banniere_itw_Sasha_099983b1d2.jpg)

### What does the Peyrelevade project, in the Limousin region, involve?

_Sasha Pinot :_ This natural regeneration project aims to revive a diverse forest ecosystem while meticulously honoring the natural processes of growth and renewal. Today, 14,700 trees of diverse species including Douglas fir, larch, spruce, fir, and oak are being nurtured through meticulous care and effort. Ultimately, this forest in the making will contribute to local economic development, supporting the timber industry. Restoring this degraded ecosystem will help preserve the forest atmosphere and its picturesque landscape. Home to a rich biodiversity, this forest will also contribute to carbon storage and play a role in combating climate change. Located in the heart of the Millevaches Regional Nature Park in Corrèze, Limousin, this natural site holds a special place within the Natura 2000 network, a European initiative dedicated to conserving habitats and species of importance.
 
### What history does this forest have?

_Sasha Pinot :_ Both plots have been planted with Douglas fir, spruce, and Scots pine for the past 35 years. They intended to undergo clear-cutting in the years to come, to harvest the wood produced, and then to be replanted following the same intensive pattern. Clear-cutting involves abruptly opening up an area, resulting in the long-term destruction of many natural habitats essential to certain species. In most cases, it also involves the use of heavy machinery, which destroys soil life by compacting and plowing large areas. 

![Peyrelevade-1.jpg](/uploads/Peyrelevade_1_d8761206cf.jpg)
 
### How is the implementation of an ANR project necessary to restore it?

_Sasha Pinot :_ One of the primary objectives of this project is to halt the forest degradation caused by strict and simplified forest management practices. By embracing a gentler approach, such as Assisted Natural Regeneration, landowners choose not to disrupt the forest's delicate balance. To achieve this, they observe natural processes and only intervene when necessary, in specific areas. Movement within the plots is restricted to designated paths to prevent unnecessary soil compaction. This method not only allows natural cycles to unfold but also enables the silviculturist to reduce their workload, as much of the forest's maintenance is carried out naturally.  
 
### How were the species chosen for the project?

_Sasha Pinot :_ The project promotes a variety of tree species, such as Douglas fir, larch, spruce, fir, and oak, each serving multiple functions. These species are selected from both hardwood and softwood groups and are chosen for their excellent adaptation to the site conditions. Intending to achieve 80% natural regeneration, the project also fosters the growth of other species already present in the soil through their existing seeds.
 
### What's the difference between the ANR method and conventional silviculture?

_Sasha Pinot :_ Today, French forests confront numerous threats, notably those stemming from climate change. In response to these challenges and as a departure from conventional silviculture practices, the proprietors of the Peyrelevade plots have opted to transition towards Assisted Natural Regeneration.

The main distinction between intensive forestry and Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) resides in ecological succession. In a natural forest, the process begins with the germination of a select few trees. As the canopy matures and closes, conditions of shade and humidity become conducive to the development of more delicate forest species in the understorey. This understorey strengthens the ecosystem's structure, facilitating the establishment of plants over the long term until they reach maturity. Occasional disturbances, such as storms or natural die-offs, then stimulate the vitality of the ecosystem. A natural forest represents a mosaic of these stages, amalgamating diverse functional groups that mutually support one another.

In contrast, within intensively managed forests, vulnerable trees are typically planted on bare ground, thereby exposing them to various risks such as drought, flooding, and wildlife damage. Often comprised of only one or two species, these forests exhibit a simplistic environmental structure characterized by a singular stratum. Upon reaching maturity, all trees are harvested, necessitating a complete restart of the cycle. Such artificial forests lack resilience to disturbances and significantly curtail the environment's capacity for natural evolution.
However, it is imperative to enhance the resilience of our forests to ensure the continuity of their ecosystem services. Through the decision to honor the natural cycle of their forest and embrace ANR management, the proprietors of this project significantly enhanced their forest's capacity to withstand diverse threats.
 
### How will the forest, restored through Assisted Natural Regeneration (RNA), be more resilient in the face of climate change?

_Sasha Pinot :_ This will be the case on five levels:
- The enhancement of ecosystem stability is notable. Without the disruptive effects of clear-cutting, natural forests maintain a consistent vegetation cover, yielding numerous benefits. Minimal fluctuations in humidity and temperature prevail, as the soil remains shielded from direct sunlight and air currents. The intricate structure of the ecosystem endures, serving as a habitat for a myriad of species, each fulfilling its unique role. The absence of habitat destruction fosters the proliferation of diverse life forms. 
- Trees derive added benefits from supplementary resources. Depending on the species, roots extract water from various depths. The diversity of these root systems enables the exploration of a broad spectrum of water sources, crucial during periods of escalating drought. Moreover, this subterranean complexity contributes to soil structuring, mitigating erosion.  
- The diversity of tree species aids in regulating pests and diseases, which are primary contributors to forest degradation. Predominantly, these issues arise in stands with limited species diversity, as they lack natural predators. In a diversified forest, all species—including animals, plants, fungi, and microorganisms—compete, thus restoring equilibrium between predators and prey.
- Game damage will be minimized. Trees grown from natural seedlings are considerably less appealing to wildlife than those raised in nurseries.  
- In the long term, the forest will yield greater profitability. A diverse array of tree species ensures a harvest, even in the event of disease affecting one species. Additionally, the fertility of the environment is sustained through a dynamic cycle of organic matter, with minimal impact on the soil.

### Why talk about sustainable forest management when it comes to ANR?

_Sasha Pinot :_ By choosing Assisted Natural Regeneration, landowners cultivate high-quality wood while preserving a diverse and thriving biodiversity within the ecosystem. 

Living, productive forests naturally form across the globe, independently of human intervention. Nature provides the necessary seedlings and optimal conditions for their growth, while the diverse flora and fauna maintain a delicate balance against diseases and pests. In the natural cycle, when a tree reaches the end of its life, it falls, creating space for new growth. Young trees from natural regeneration take advantage of these openings, thriving until the canopy is restored. The Assisted Natural Regeneration (RNA) method respects these intrinsic natural principles while favoring the growth of the most beneficial trees.

The species present in the Peyrelevade stand have organically developed. A significant portion of them is local, with genetics finely attuned to the specific conditions of the region. Over time, the stand undergoes natural evolution, favoring only the most competitive and adaptive species.

Numerous instances in the region showcase owners aligning their management practices with natural processes. Situated at the heart of the Millevaches Regional Nature Park, the Peyrelevade project actively contributes to this network, gradually restoring the French forest to its historical state. Its PEFC certification serves as additional confirmation of its commitment to sustainable management, reflecting a comprehensive understanding of the forest's multifunctional role. The PEFC label assures the stringent adherence to precise regulations by all forest stakeholders, including owners, operators, and forestry contractors.

To obtain the PEFC label, various commitments must be upheld, including promoting a diverse array of tree species, abstaining from fertilizer use, safeguarding soil integrity, preserving local fauna and flora, and maintaining dead trees, essential for biodiversity promotion.
 
### How does RNA contribute to sustainable wood production? 

_Sasha Pinot :_ The overarching goal of the Peyrelevade project is to establish a diversified, multifunctional, and resilient forest, while simultaneously benefiting the local economy. 

Unlike conventional silviculture, timber is not harvested from a large area in a single block. The forest's intricate structure calls for more regular, localized harvesting. For instance, rather than harvesting an entire parcel every 80 years, the silviculturist opts to selectively remove only the finest trees every 5 years. Despite the differing approaches, the financial returns remain nearly identical. However, under Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) management, the silviculturist benefits from more consistent income.

Implementing this method requires the expertise of skilled tradespeople, and sizable trees must be transported to specialized, smaller sawmills tailored for such operations. These ANR conversion initiatives not only create employment opportunities but also inspire younger generations to acquire and revive traditional knowledge. 

Moreover, Corrèze, being a heavily forested region with ample rainfall and a temperate climate, provides an ideal environment for forest development. Given these favorable conditions, the wood yielded by the Peyrelevade project will be of exceptional quality, thereby benefiting the entire local industry, including forest managers, loggers, and sawmill operators. 
 
### Une gestion forestière en RNA permet-elle de séquestrer autant de carbone qu’une gestion classique ?

_Sasha Pinot :_ The Peyrelevade project stands out notably for its carbon sequestration capabilities. Similar to conventional plantations, the trees continuously sequester carbon throughout their lifespan. This carbon is responsibly stored when the wood is utilized in construction or furniture. Additionally, the ANR method offers an added advantage over traditional silvicultural practices: the preservation of soil carbon. Unlike forests that export their entire production, this type of forest allows for the unimpeded growth of undergrowth and retention of deadwood. As this organic matter decomposes, the carbon it contains remains within the soil, preventing its release into the atmosphere, a common occurrence after clear-cutting and plowing.

It should be noted, however, that while carbon storage is a good indicator for studying climate change, it cannot be used to judge the quality of a forest. For instance, an intensive Douglas-fir monoculture will sequester more carbon on the same surface area than a diversified forest. Yet it is not sustainable, and its ecological value and resilience are much lower.
 
![Peyrelevade-2.jpg](/uploads/Peyrelevade_2_100b04280f.jpg)
 

**As Assisted Natural Regeneration harnesses existing resources to preserve and fortify forest heritage, fostering long-term diversity and resilience, it emerges as particularly pertinent in the face of climate change. However, for ANR initiatives to materialize, funding is essential, notably from companies eager to contribute to forest restoration. Swiss Life Asset Managers exemplifies this commitment by supporting the Peyrelevade project showcased in this article. Across France, Reforest'Action is spearheading ecosystem regeneration endeavors rooted in the Assisted Natural Regeneration method, thanks to funding from dedicated corporate partners.**


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"Assisted Natural Regeneration allows forests to be more resilient in the face of climate change": an interview with Sasha Pinot

**In south-west China, in the mountainous province of Guizhou, Reforest'Action and Hennessy are carrying out a project to restore forest ecosystems on degraded land, for the benefit of the villagers living nearby. In addition to restoring the area's ecological properties, the project is generating a real socio-economic impact by helping to improve the livelihoods of rural and traditional populations. Since spring 2022, more than 867,000 trees of diverse species have been planted to support the regeneration of a forest ecosystem in an area subject to rocky desertification. This is one of two projects financed in China by Maison Hennessy, Reforest'Action's first contributor since 2020, as part of its “Forest Destination program”.** 

![DSC06247_yk.jpg](/uploads/DSC_06247_yk_8e765fd694.jpg)

China's history has left its mark on the Guizhou landscape, or "precious land" in Chinese. Since 1958, the Great Leap Forward under Maoism, accompanied by a massive wave of migration, led to massive deforestation in favor of agricultural production and mining. In the 1980s, Deng Xiaoping's economic reforms only accelerated the clearing of new land and the impoverishment of the soil. Demographically, Guizhou is one of China's most diverse provinces, comprising many different ethnic groups, but it is also one of the country's poorest regions. Indeed, its extremely rocky and karst topography hinders economic development and makes agricultural production more difficult.

Despite the province's recent economic development, due in particular to the construction of a modern transport network and the growth of tourism, the restoration of forest ecosystems remains a top priority for the Chinese government. The aim is both to protect existing forests and to gradually reconvert agricultural land to forest while planting trees on bare land. The reforestation project, supported by Reforest'Action and Hennessy and carried out in the field by the Guangxi Chongzuo Linda Forestry company, is therefore perfectly aligned with China's national strategy.

## Reforesting mountains to combat rock desertification

The project is located in the Qinglong district of Guizhou province, within a natural site subject to rock desertification. This phenomenon characterizes the processes that transform a karst area into a rocky landscape almost devoid of soil and vegetation*. China is one of the countries suffering most from desertification in the world, with 2.61 million km2 impacted**, i.e. 27%, of the country's total surface area. The original forest that used to cover the project area disappeared many years ago, and the fragile soil is now covered by a few naturally-growing grasses and shrubs and is highly exposed to erosion. On this depleted soil, natural regeneration is not an option, and neither the communities nor the local institutions have sufficient funds to restore their land.

*Earth-Science Reviews, Volume 132, May 2014, Pages 1-12
**Estimation of the costs of desertification in China: a critical review, 2016

![DSC05430_yk.jpg](/uploads/DSC_05430_yk_5d42f6ae26.jpg)

### A three-fold objective

The project's objectives, to be implemented over a three-year period (2021-2024), focus on three main pillars.

**1 - Restoring degraded ecosystems**
The project aims to create a forest on communal land that is currently bare by planting a mix of five species native to the region. The existing vegetation, mainly grasses and shrubs, will be preserved as much as possible. In the long term, the planted trees will limit erosion and combat rock desertification, helping to regenerate the soil's ecological properties. The diversity of the species chosen will strengthen the area's resilience in the face of potential climatic or biological hazards. Last but not least, the newly-grown forest will store approximately 100,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent over a 30-year period.

**2 - Fostering native biodiversity**
The presence of trees, including a fruit species, will contribute to the development of habitats for the region's flora and fauna, which are essential to the ecosystem's long-term stability and adaptability. The region's remote, steep slopes have encouraged the emergence of numerous endemic species of birds, reptiles, and snakes, which will benefit from the habitat extension measures. Some specimens have already been spotted near the project’s planting sites.

**3 - Improving the villagers' socio-economic conditions**
In this rural area, opportunities for villagers to raise their standard of living are limited. All forestry work under the project will be carried out by local communities, mobilized in the field by our partner. In the years to come, the potential for harvesting fruit from the trees will also represent an interesting economic benefit for the population.

![DSC06656_yk.jpg](/uploads/DSC_06656_yk_d3ca8105c0.jpg)

### Review of the project's activities

Carried out manually by recruited villagers, the plantings began at the end of March 2022, with the onset of the rainy season, and were completed in June of the same year. A total of 571,641 trees were planted on 192 hectares during this first season. The second year of the project began in April 2023 and ended in December of the same year. The latest assessment carried out by our partner at the end of September 2023 showed that over 295,000 seedlings had already been planted, representing 54% of the 2022-2023 target.

With regard to the species mix, two species (Chinese fir and cypress) were planted in 2022 in equal proportions. Purchased from an external nursery, our partner experienced difficulties in obtaining seedlings for the other three species that were to be planted. To overcome this availability problem and meet the needs of the next two years, a nursery dedicated to the project was subsequently created. In 2023, seedlings of Chinese fir, cypress, honey locust, toona sinensis, and alder were produced by the Linda Forestry company team and planted on site. In the third quarter of 2023, to support the development of the project, the local government allowed our partner to set up its nursery in an area with a larger surface area, a better water supply, and more convenient transport conditions.

![Audit23.jpg](/uploads/Audit23_2cfd6f682c.jpg)
 
**The last field audit carried out by Reforest'Action in March 2023 made it possible to assess the survival rate of trees planted in 2022, which was 93.7%. The average tree height measured was 41.7 centimeters. As the Chinese fir and cypress are native species adapted to the local environment, they were found to be in good health. To maximize results, the Linda Forestry company systematically replaces trees that fail to survive by replanting them in the following planting seasons. However, climatic conditions in 2023 were not so favorable: rainfall was significantly lower than in 2022. A second field audit will be carried out by Reforest'Action in April 2024.** 

## Maximizing socio-economic impact to promote human well-being

Promoting human well-being is fundamental to the projects supported by Maison Hennessy. In China's Guizhou province, which struggles with rural poverty exacerbated by historical environmental degradation, the project developed by Reforest'Action directly benefits the livelihoods of ethnic minorities through the generation of additional income. The socio-economic impact is therefore a major pillar of our joint approach in China and will be monitored over the long term.

### Employment and income opportunities

Agriculture is the main economic driver in the province. That's why the people living in the villages of Zhebu, the first to be affected by the project, depend entirely on farming as a source of income. With the soil depletion, agricultural productivity is reduced, as are the villagers' means of subsistence. In 2022, the project provided employment opportunities for 324 villagers. Planters, nursery workers, vehicle drivers, and forest rangers were all recruited to carry out the restoration activities under the supervision of the Linda Forestry company. These direct beneficiaries, including 80% of women, earned money at the end of their contribution, enabling them to provide for their families. Besides, an estimated 7,696 people (workers' families and other villagers) indirectly benefited from the first wave of planting. The planted trees are monitored and maintained by ten forest rangers employed by our partner. Their role is to patrol the planting area on a daily basis to prevent potential degradation risks (fires, animals grazing, parasites, or diseases) and to take immediate action to minimize losses. They are also responsible for site maintenance (weeding, etc.). Over the three years of the project, taking all activities into account, up to 55,000 man-days of work will be required, for the benefit of villagers who wish to get involved.

In parallel, the project will contribute to the local economy by opening the way to tree product commercialization. Known as "zao jia", the Chinese honey locust is one of the fifty fundamental plants used in traditional Chinese pharmacopoeia. Its fruits, which are long, bean-like pods, and its thorns are used in the manufacture of cosmetics and medicinal products, but they can also be used to make paper. The leaves of the toona sinensis, another tree planted as part of the project, are used in traditional Chinese cooking. Once mature, the fruit or leaves of these trees will be harvested and sold by the communities, who will split the earnings, to companies that will process them. The villagers concerned could generate around $150,000 a year in additional income from the marketing of forest products.

![Planting 2.JPG](/uploads/Planting_2_a255d7f68b.JPG)

### Social commitment at the core of our activities

In order to facilitate and strengthen community participation in the project, our partner has implemented a comprehensive engagement process: upstream meetings introducing the project and its benefits to involve villagers, tree-planting training to initiate the public, regular updates on the project's achievements to ensure constant mobilization, etc. These initiatives reflect the importance of working hand in hand with local people, who are both the driving force and the beneficiaries of this restoration program. Once recruited, most of the workers were involved in the project's design: through community meetings, they had the opportunity to give their opinions and discuss future activities. In addition, from March to April 2022, prior to the planting phase, 280 beneficiaries took part in a half-day training session: technical requirements, seedling management, safety, and waste management were all on the agenda.

During the last audit, Reforest'Action gathered feedback from beneficiaries by conducting several interviews. All respondents were happy to be able to contribute to activities in the field and were motivated by the idea of ensuring the proper growth of trees. They understand the importance of trees in the fight against rocky desertification. They also mentioned the much-needed income they receive from the project. In addition, a feedback mechanism has been set up for participants to make any comments and/or suggestions regarding the project's course. This mechanism is fundamental to ensuring optimal implementation and monitoring of the project and is managed both by village representatives and the villagers' committee and by the Linda Forestry company.

![DSC06012_yk.jpg](/uploads/DSC_06012_yk_50c61793a8.jpg)

**Maison Hennessy has come to appreciate the central role of forest ecosystems in ensuring a sustainable future for future generations. In 2020, the company entered into a 10-year partnership with Reforest'Action. This long-term commitment enables the implementation of an ambitious, long-term program to contribute to the regeneration of 50,000 hectares of forest worldwide. The project to restore degraded mountain ecosystems in Guizhou province illustrates the Maison's commitment to promoting the ecosystem services provided by forests for the benefit of the local populations that depend on them.** 

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China: in the precious land of Guizhou, Maison Hennessy contributes to the fight against rocky desertification through reforestation

**In the Peruvian provinces of Lamas, El Dorado, and San Martín, Reforest'Action works in partnership with the CIGDES to support local farmers in setting up agroforestry systems on former abandoned grasslands. The second season of this three-year project came to an end in 2023. A year of intense work saw the planting of 600,000 trees of diverse native species for the maximum benefit of producers who are gradually reclaiming their now fertile land, where they are planting fruit and vegetables in agroforestry. However, faced with increasing drought and the threat of devastating ants, our partner had to redouble its efforts to ensure the survival of the trees. In addition to the future harvesting of tree products, alternative economic activities, such as community beekeeping, are being organized on the ground with the aim of increasing the livelihoods of communities.** 

The project supported by Reforest'Action and carried out in the field by the [Innovation and Management Center for Sustainable Development](https://www.cigdes.org/) (CIGDES) is located in three provinces of the San Martín region, at the gateway to the Peruvian Amazon: Lamas, El Dorado, and San Martín. Starting in summer 2021, the project has been running for over two years in an effort to restore vast areas of degraded pasturelands. The objective is to support and accompany landowners in the rehabilitation of their fallow land through the creation of diversified agroforestry systems. Local communities, for whom agriculture is one of the main means of subsistence, have been clearing the Amazon rainforest in recent decades in order to grow food crops and graze livestock. As a result of traditional farming practices, the land has gradually lost its original fertility until it was abandoned by farming and livestock-raising families. These former meadows have been overgrown with spontaneous vegetation and are now covered by several species of invasive ferns, which are particularly prone to fire in the summer. These phenomena prevent the natural regeneration of the forest. The project therefore aims to restore these abandoned lands by planting six to eight tree species (depending on the season) that will both encourage the future regeneration of the native rainforest and create productive, sustainable agroforestry systems for the benefit of local populations.

On the occasion of an audit carried out in August 2023, Juliet, Project Officer in Peru for Reforest'Action, was able to observe the first positive impacts of the project. [Beneficiaries from the Kichwa ethnic group,](https://www.reforestaction.com/en/magazine/northern-peru-agroforestry-revive-pachamama) involved in the first planting season, are now convinced of the need for restoration activities: their plots have been cleared of invasive ferns, the trees planted two years ago have grown well, and the return of biodiversity is already noticeable (birds, bees, insects, and macrofauna). Their enthusiasm has attracted other producers keen to support the regeneration of their land, so our partner no longer needs to promote the project among the communities, which are already motivated by the many economic and environmental benefits enjoyed by their neighbors. 

![Avant:Après.jpg](/uploads/Avant_Apres_be15185365.jpg)

![Avant:Après2.jpg](/uploads/Avant_Apres2_3ffef25b44.jpg)

## The second restoration season: involving local producer families in forestry activities

### Work carried out together with communities

During the 2022-2023 project season, 600,000 trees were planted - including Brazilian rubber, breadnut and mocambo tree, and even sweet pea - on over 300 hectares of degraded areas. Beneficiaries, representing 144 farming families newly enrolled in the project, were involved in the forestry work and took part in at least one of 36 training sessions covering planting techniques, plot maintenance, pest management, and more. 

Beyond planting, the ecological restoration process involves a range of varied, complex, and physical silvicultural tasks. The first step, among the most important, is to prepare the soil to receive the trees. This means removing all invasive ferns to minimize the impact of the ecological barrier they represent and to guarantee the growth and productivity of the future forest. This work is carried out by each producer on his own plots, assisted by two members of the CIGDES technical team. In the San Martín region, traditional farming organization is reflected in a variety of ways, most notably through the existence of mutual assistance days, known as "choba-choba" in the Kichwa language, and organized by the communal committee. These moments of solidarity are mainly intended to strengthen the harmony between people and natural cycles. The whole family takes part in these events, with everyone contributing according to their abilities and skills. Last season's "choba-choba" enabled landowners to benefit from collective help in completing the preparation of their land. A few days after the weeding was completed, a particular tree species, whose primary function is to prepare the soil, was planted: the pigeon pea, or Cajanus Cajan, of the fabaceae family. The aim of planting this species first is to provide shade on the plot, limit the growth of ferns and other weeds, and enrich the soil with plant biomass to create a microclimate conducive to the growth of young seedlings. 

![Luis 2023.jpg](/uploads/Luis_2023_ac4aefa1f4.jpg)

The second step is to install the multi-stage agroforestry system on the producers' plots. The task involves marking out the spatial distribution of plant units to know where to plant fruit and leguminous trees, with a view to creating the pre-established design. This activity is carried out by the CIGDES installation team with the participation of the families, who are at the same time trained in the technical operations of the conception process: taking measurements, using a contour line, aligning, orienting, picketing, and so on. Once the land is ready, the seedlings are transported from the nearest nursery to the area to be reforested, and planting work can begin. A notable improvement in the organization of this second season is the installation of 57 "flying nurseries" on beneficiaries' land, using locally sourced materials. The decentralization of seedling production means that seedlings can be delivered on time with fewer physical constraints. The location of the "flying nurseries" has been decided by the community, which takes responsibility for their maintenance and also acquires precious knowledge about the production of native Amazonian tree species.

![Pépinière volante.jpg](/uploads/Pepiniere_volante_e55ee3b6a1.jpg)
Tree production in a flying nursery on a farmer's land

Finally, the maintenance of the planted trees is an ongoing task that begins on the last day of planting. The CIGDES has a team of professionals dedicated to monitoring the survival of the planted trees and the success of the restoration process. Their mission is to support producers in their monitoring tasks and to train them through regular workshops on shade management, green manuring, pruning, fertilization, pest, and disease control, etc. In collaboration with Reforest'Action, the CIGDES also benefits from a digital mapping software system that enables them to monitor and trace the planted trees over time.

### Search for solutions to climatic and biotic hazards

The survival rate of the trees planted during the project's second season is about 92%. However, this high percentage reflects the continuous monitoring work of our partner, who systematically replants specimens that do not survive. While all the plots are currently in good phytosanitary condition, several challenges were experienced this year, making the restoration of the Amazonian rainforest more difficult.

The summer is getting hotter and hotter in the San Martín region, and the drought is a real challenge. Beneficiaries report how difficult it is to keep the trees alive in this context of climate change. Several measures have been put in place to mitigate the scarce rainfall, including the addition of hydrogel to the soil when the trees are planted to ensure better water retention. In addition, the production of extra seedlings in the CIGDES central nursery effectively overcame drought-related mortality. Another hazard, this time a biotic one, is the presence of devastating ants in the restoration area. To counter this scourge, the participation of some beneficiary producers, who applied biological ant repellents, was key. At the same time, the CIGDES and Reforest'Action decided to collaborate with national and international forestry institutions, such as the Spanish [National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology](https://www.inia.es/en-en/Pages/Home.aspx) (INIA) and the [Center for International Forestry Research](https://www.cifor.org/) (CIFOR). These partnerships will make it possible to gather scientific knowledge and find effective natural solutions to insect damage.

![Ant damage.jpg](/uploads/Ant_damage_01459b0a0b.jpg)
Ant damage on a young tree

## The socio-economic impact: promoting food security and alternative income generation

### Fruits and vegetables grown in agroforestry

Besides its environmental impact, the project includes a significant social component. Expected socio-economic benefits include improved food security for producer families. The agroforestry systems created as part of the project are made up of various productive species, including fruit trees, beans, and peas. These food products will be harvested by the landowners and used for personal consumption or sold. Another benefit of restoring the land by integrating trees is that it makes the soil cultivable and fertile again. Some farming families have already started growing fruit and vegetables (bananas, beans, manioc, etc.), which are the basis of their diet, in the shade of the trees planted in 2021.

![Adoniran 2023.jpg](/uploads/Adoniran_2023_62fa68955f.jpg)

### Creation of alternative value chains

In the long term, some tree products will help to revive a local, sustainable economy. Indeed, the species planted in agroforestry will provide high-value raw materials, such as latex produced from rubber tree bark, Mayan walnut seeds, and majambo pods, which contain white, almond-flavored beans. Another economic activity that our partner is about to initiate is beekeeping. Several tree species can already produce flowers, and the honey produced can easily be sold on local markets. Awareness-raising sessions on the use of natural inputs will be organized among producers to ensure the survival of the bees. While it is still too early to witness the results, the creation of these alternative value chains will have many positive impacts, including local job creation.

![Bénéficiaires 23.jpg](/uploads/Beneficiaires_23_1ebd7140e2.jpg)

### Community capacity building

As the communities are at the very heart of the project's implementation and success, their empowerment represents a major focus. Throughout the year, operational workshops were organized by our partner, not only to train participants but also to gather their expectations and feedback. Since the start of activities, communities have been grouped into 20 community co-management committees in the three provinces where the project is being implemented. This structure ensures the smooth running of operations, as well as the organization of regular assemblies and "choba-choba" days and the monitoring of plantings. This participatory approach also promotes the consolidation and sustainability of ecological restoration.

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Land restoration and agroforestry systems implementation in the region of San Martín, Peru

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SEGAFREDO ZANETTI FRANCE

Restaurer les écosystèmes terrestres à grande échelle en recréant les meilleures conditions pour leur permettre d’être stable dans la durée dans un contexte climatique et sociétal en pleine transformation.

En savoir plus sur la mission de Reforest'Action

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Children made aware of the need to plant trees to restore the Páramos

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Nursery preparation in the framework of the Páramos restoration project in Colombia

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A boy holding a tree sapling near the Alto-andine forests

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A boy ready to plant a tree near the Alto-andine forests

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A horse carrying tree saplings to be planted within the Páramos ecosystems 

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A girl ready to plant a tree near the Alto-andine forests

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Two project beneficiaries carrying a box filled with tree shoots

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Cedrela montana

Viburnum pichinchense

Baccharis latifolia

Smallanthus pyramidalis

Verbesina arborea

Geissanthus mezianus

Meriania maxima

Oreopanax ecuadorensis

Prunus serotina

Myrcianthes leucoxyla

Hedyosmum bonplandianum

Tournefortia fuliginosa

Piper aduncum

Cerisier noir

Aulne andin

Diplostephium floribundum

Bois de rose femelle

Brachyotum ledifolium

Hesperomeles obtusifolia

Poivrier sauvage

Polylepis sericea

Oreopanax bogotensis

Myrsine guianensis

Weinmannia tomentosa

Delostoma integrifolium

Tecoma stans

Sureau noir

Hesperomeles globatra

Myrica parvifolia

Tibouchina mollis

The partnership between Reforest'Action and Impulso Verde will allow to restore in 3 years more than 340 hectares of degraded areas of the Alto-Andean forest and páramo, through reforestation and sylvopastoralism, by planting more than 550.000 endogenous trees of 40 different species.

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CLEAN_WATER_AND_SANITATION

RESPONSIBLE_CONSUMPTION_AND_PRODUCTION

CLIMATE_ACTION

LIFE_ON_LAND

Preservation of local biodiversity by providing suitable habitats and resources.

Contributes to the mitigation of the greenhouse effect and influences precipitation patterns and the local microclimate.

Influences the quality and integrity of the soil-water system, and the cycling of water and nutrients.

Supports human well-being, by providing resources, income, education, empowerment, and supporting culture and spirituality.

Colombia is one of the most deforested countries in the world. Out of the 114 million hectares available, livestock farming alone accounts for 39 million hectares, that is, more than 30% of the territory. The project financed by Reforest'Action and led on site by the NGO Impulso Verde is located in several "complexes" that group together some of the rarest high-altitude biotopes on the planet: the Páramos. Between 3,300 and 4,700 meters above sea level, in the eastern Colombian Andes, the Páramos are the richest mountain ecosystems on the planet in terms of floral biodiversity, in addition to providing an important share of Colombia's drinking water supply. Unfortunately, the surface area of the Páramos is shrinking considerably, due to climate change and anthropic pressure related to agricultural activities.

Impulso Verde works for the reforestation and protection of forests and biodiversity in Colombia. The NGO federates and animates a network of associative nurseries hand in hand with the Pasto people. Their development model allows to gradually involve indigenous communities, increasing the capacity to produce and plant trees in order to meet the very significant potential for reforestation in the region over the next few years. The structure’s creation has also made it possible to forge important national institutional and academic partnerships.

To counter the degradation of the Páramos, in the Colombian Andes, we are focusing on environmental, social and economic issues in a holistic manner. Through a landscape-scale perspective, which ensures the consideration of all the services provided by a territory, we are working towards the regeneration of these high-altitude ecosystems. The partnership between Reforest'Action and the NGO Impulso Verde will allow to restore in 3 years more than 340 hectares of degraded areas into the Alto-Andean forests and the Páramos mountain ecosystem, through reforestation and silvopastoralism. The reforestation area is located in the surroundings of the Chiltalzón, commonly known as the "water mount" in the Pasto language. This mountain provides water for about 100,000 inhabitants. The restoration of this unique biotope will help to recover the water supply and, ultimately, to preserve this vital commodity.

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Landscape of the project, Veracruz state, Mexico 

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Acajou cédrel

Orme d'Amerique

Handroanthus rosea-alba

Cocotier

Spondias radlkoferi

Vanille

Zapote Mamey

Pacific Coast mahogany

Margouzier

Cannelier de Ceylan

Tamarinier d'Inde

Cardamone

Cacaoyer

Casearia laetioides

Gliciridia

Erythrina americana

Heliocarpus appendiculatus

Quatre-épices

Tapirira mexicana

Kapokier

Cèdre rose

Manguier

Reforest'Action is partnering with Asociación Mexicana de Bosques Comestibles (AMEBOSCO) to develop agroforestry to restore degraded ecosystems in Veracruz State in Mexico. The aim is to train local farmers to include trees as an integral part of their agriculture through the creation of agroforestry systems. Not only fruit trees, but also species endemic to the region or that generate additional income (including vanilla and pepper) are planted in agroforestry on the farmers' plots. This approach will help protect the underlying crops and increase the food security of the population.

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DECENT_WORK_AND_ECONOMIC_GROWTH

The northern part of the state of Veracruz is one of the most deforested areas in Mexico. Over the past 50 years, nearly 92% of the forests have been destroyed to create agricultural land dedicated to intensive livestock and citrus production, an approach that resulted in a dramatic loss of biodiversity. In the context of climate change that favors the multiplication and intensity of cyclones as well as droughts, the restoration of forest covers is a key issue for the health of the various ecosystems and the resilience of populations. Besides, Mexico is one of the largest vanilla producing countries in the world. In the state of Veracruz, where the flower was first discovered, local and artisanal vanilla production is threatened by competition coming from intensive production and a precarious economic situation.

The Mexican Association for Edible Forests (AMEBOSCO) promotes diverse and profitable agroforestry models in Mexico based on traditional knowledge and community bonds. The association implements alternative economic and agricultural systems to industrial agricultural production. The restoration and environmental awareness actions carried out by AMBOSCO are aimed at creating producers' cooperatives committed to organic farming. The NGO therefore supports farmers in managing their plots and in obtaining organic certification.

Reforest'Action is partnering with AMEBOSCO to develop agroforestry in order to restore degraded ecosystems in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. The project aims at planting various species in agroforestry within degraded agricultural lands owned by traditional vanilla producers, who are tempted to turn to more profitable crops. At the same time, a sustainable agriculture model based on the marketing of products derived from the agroecosystems thus implemented, including artisanal vanilla production, is being developed. The project also aims to produce and conserve native tree species such as white cedar or ceiba by collecting endemic seeds from existing forests. These seeds are then cultivated in nurseries before being integrated into agroforestry plots within the vanilla fields. Local communities’ environmental awareness is raised, and populations are encouraged to preserve the various native species within the farmland.

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Brosimum alicastrum

Cacaoyer bicolore

Hévéa

Moureiller des Caraïbes

Genipe

Food inga

The project  supports small landowners and the native community of Kiwcha of Lamas, to install agroforestry techniques to stop land degradation and forest fires of their abandoned grasslands.
The project aims to recover these areas, by planting Hevea brasilienses, Brosimun alicastrum, Theobroma bicolor, inga sp, Byrsonima crassifolia  and Vochysia ferruginea , and providing training. Thereby, the soil will recover, as well as provide food to the families, and improve their income. These abandoned areas will be productive again

PARTNERSHIP_FOR_THE_GOALS

Plot farming in Peru represents the first cause of deforestation, being practiced both by small family farmers and by national and international agribusinesses. Northwest of the country, in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, most of the land of the Lamas, San Martín and El Dorado provinces have been converted into crops and pastures, at the cost of the primary forest that used to take root in the area. Local farmers have been abandoning their plots of land whose overexploited soil had lost fertility. The abandoned farmlands are now largely covered by an invasive fern species. These degraded areas are also particularly prone to fires, which are very common in the Amazon during the summer. Like a vicious circle, these phenomena worsen the degradation of the already weakened soils and decrease water resources.

The Center for Innovation and Sustainable Management (CIGDES) is a Peruvian NGO founded in 2020\. On the spot, the organization favors the development of agroforestry projects based on the introduction of non-timber and fruit indigenous tree species. Since its creation, the CIGDES has managed to plant over 10 million trees. The NGO works hand in hand with several national and international actors involved in the restoration of forests and the implementation of agroforestry systems such as the US AID.

Reforest'Action is partnering with the CIGDES to support small landowners in implementing agroforestry systems. The project, led by the Centro De Innovación Y Gestión Para El Desarrollo Sostenible (CIGDES) in the field, is being carried out simultaneously in three Peruvian provinces: Lamas, San Martín and El Dorado. Started in 2021, it will last for three years. The work involves installing agroforestry systems on abandoned agricultural plots, alongside producers and indigenous communities. The development of agroforestry will result in the restoration of former forests, including soil conditions, while generating additional socio-economic benefits. 

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In order to preserve the pollinators, which are essential to the survival of the Páramos, a network of 32 beehives has been set up. 

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Planters from local Pasto communities, as part of the Páramos restoration project in Colombia

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With the financial support of Reforest'Action, Impulso Verde has been developing a beekeeping activity in the Andean region of Nariño since 2019

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Honey flowers in the Páramos ecosystem in Colombia

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Espeletia, characteristic plant native to the Páramos ecosystem in Colombia

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Sylvopastoralism, a sustainable alternative to dairy farming, implemented in the framework of the Páramos restoration project in Colombia

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Flower harvesting, that will be used to make artisanal cosmetics

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Agricultural landscape dedicated to cattle breeding in Colombia, near the project area

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Páramos ecosystem in Colombia, with endemic plants named Espeletia

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Nurseries of the restoration project in Colombia

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Tree shoots ready to be planted in the Páramos

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The members of the involved associations are trained in the maceration of flowers to make artisanal cosmetics. These products are then sold on local markets

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Sureau

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Local beneficiaries planting trees in the project area

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Reforest'Action is partnering with Rioterra, to implement a reforestation project in the State of Rondônia, in the southwest of the Brazilian Amazon. This state is part of the “deforestation arc” formed by vast territories where the agricultural frontier and deforestation have greatly increased in recent decades. The aim of this project is to restore forest reserves by full stand plantations in areas that will compose the future Amazon Bioeconomy and Conservation Center – ABCC. The project also aims to recover the original forest landscape and to promote the recovery and preservation of the Amazonian biodiversity, in addition to generating income for the neighboring population.

Bénéfices estimés des arbres plantés ou préservés

En savoir plus sur la mission de Reforest'Action

Actualités de Reforest'Action

"Assisted Natural Regeneration allows forests to be more resilient in the face of climate change": an interview with Sasha Pinot

China: in the precious land of Guizhou, Maison Hennessy contributes to the fight against rocky desertification through reforestation

Land restoration and agroforestry systems implementation in the region of San Martín, Peru