**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

**Between 2017 and 2022, Yagasu and Reforest'Action worked together to restore 415 hectares of mangrove in the north of the Indonesian island of Sumatra by planting more than a million mangrove trees of six different species. In November 2023, an audit carried out by Reforest'Action highlighted the excellent recovery of the mangroves and the wide range of socio-economic benefits generated by the project for local communities.**

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## Five years working to restore the mangrove

Initiated in 2017 in the provinces of North Sumatra and Aceh, Indonesia, the project was spread over four planting seasons for a total of five years, during which 260 plots of degraded mangrove were restored over a total area of 415.6 hectares. Consisting mainly of deforested riverbanks, coastal areas and abandoned fishponds, these plots were selected by our local partner Yagasu near 29 villages on the west coast of Sumatra.

![IMG20231120164535.jpg](/uploads/IMG_20231120164535_6bbbbaa638.jpg)

The aim is to regenerate mangrove forests where they have been deforested or severely degraded by the conversion of land to oil palm monoculture, and to help convert former intensive aquaculture ponds into natural mangrove areas or silvofishery ponds with moderated fishing activities. The planting of mangroves enables the original ecosystem to be reconstituted, along with its services such as fixing unstable soils and combating erosion and rising water levels. Because the existence of mangroves improves water quality and helps increase fish production, planting around or inside the ponds serves the dual purpose of maintaining the structural integrity of the ecosystem and providing a sustainable source of food for aquatic life.

![IMG20231122113205.jpg](/uploads/IMG_20231122113205_aafc5347bf.jpg)

## The conclusions of the audit carried out by Reforest'Action

A total of 1,040,478 mangrove trees were planted in the field after being produced in nurseries designed for the project. The diversity of species, which is essential to the quality and sustainability of mangrove restoration operations, was particularly observed through the selection of 6 different mangrove species adapted to the environment: Rhizophora spp, R. Apiculata, R. Stylosa, R. Mucronata, Avicennia and Ceriops. 
Thanks to the meticulous measurements carried out during the audit mission conducted by Reforest'Action in November 2023, the overall average survival rate of the trees for all the different seasons of the project was determined to be 89.88%. The plots are now in vigorous health and growth, and free of any plant disease.

![IMG20231122114442.jpg](/uploads/IMG_20231122114442_dd6632535d.jpg)

## A wide range of socio-economic benefits generated by mangroves

### Raising community awareness of the valuable resources provided by mangroves

Over the five years the project has been running, it has directly benefited 4,552 people and indirectly 9,104 people. The mangrove restoration campaign led by our project implementer Yagasu has not only generated employment in the nurseries and planting operations but has also created income-generating socio-economic activities for local people. These include the creation of traditional batik fabrics using mangrove ink, the production of foodstuffs (crisps, crackers) from mangroves, and the practice of silvofishery, which exploits the natural fish resources (fish, prawns, crabs) of these forests by creating natural ponds within them.

![IMG-28763939 (5).jpg](/uploads/IMG_28763939_5_6eb90e170c.jpg)

By becoming aware of the benefits provided by mangroves, local communities are more inclined to adopt a conservation approach to these precious forests, and to contribute to their protection, in particular by setting up community patrols to survey the mangroves and report any deforestation activity.

### Creating local commercial channels

In terms of market opportunities for the production of batik and food products, Yagasu is working with communities to create genuine local commercial channels and raise awareness among consumers from local populations and visiting tourists. As far as silvofishery is concerned, Yagasu facilitates transactions between producers and end consumers through local intermediaries. 

Women's communities in particular benefit from these socio-economic programmes, which contribute to the development of their skills and their financial independence. In fact, the income generated by the socio-economic activities within the women's groups is equivalent to an increase of around 15 to 20% on their pre-project income.

![IMG_7727.jpg](/uploads/IMG_7727_7f64aa026c.jpg)

![DSC01584.JPG](/uploads/DSC_01584_aea4f5f18e.JPG)

### Developing ecotourism to boost the local economy

In addition, the project is also enabling the development of ecotourism infrastructures and educational activities, such as nautical tourism, culinary tourism and tourism based on awareness of mangrove ecosystems. In Pasar Rawa, in particular, the ecotourism programme is generating employment for villagers and contributing to the local economy, while promoting a better understanding of the importance of mangrove conservation.

![DJI_0576.jpg](/uploads/DJI_0576_dc277a52c5.jpg)

**The project run by Reforest'Action and Yagasu in Sumatra between 2017 and 2022 has thus contributed not only to the restoration and conservation of mangrove ecosystems located in two provinces of the Indonesian island, but also to the creation of profound socio-economic impacts among local communities by promoting sustainable livelihoods and their economic resilience.**

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Sumatra: economic resilience depends on environmental restoration

**At Reforest'Action, the diversity of our solutions meets the diversity of the needs of forests, with common objectives: to make forests more resilient, to develop their multifunctionality, and to preserve and develop the carbon and biodiversity sinks of tomorrow. In this way, Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) plays an essential role in achieving global objectives relating to climate, biodiversity and ecosystem restoration, and is fully in line with our environmental and ecological ambitions and those of the foresters with whom we work. Reforest'Action frequently uses this method as part of its ecosystem regeneration projects in temperate zones.**

## Respecting and imitating the natural cycle of the forest
In practical terms, ANR is a method of regenerating forest ecosystems that involves intervening in existing forests that are showing signs of regeneration, but which are insufficient on their own to guarantee the renewal of the forest and the maintenance of its ecosystem services. This is a gentle method of silvicultural management that respects the natural cycle of the forest, the soil and existing biodiversity. It makes the most of what already exists to preserve and strengthen the forest heritage, making it more diverse and resilient in the long term. 

As part of an ANR project, the forester helps the forest to regenerate under optimum conditions. The aim is to encourage the growth of seedlings and juvenile trees of different species that are already naturally present in the soil, and to provide them with the light and space they need to develop in the best possible way. While taking care to maintain minority species to preserve the diversity of the forest, work is also carried out to promote the species best adapted to local conditions and climate change. To do this, the forester will carefully observe the evolution of the forest and, over time, carry out various types of forestry work (clearing, scrub clearance, pruning, maintenance of access roads and enrichment of islands, etc.) that will enable the most promising seedlings to grow thanks to the increased space and light. 

## A complementary solution to reforestation
In our projects, the choice between the planting method or the ANR method depends on the type of forest plot and the history of the forest to be restored. In France, and more generally in Europe, the challenge is to deal with the biotic and abiotic degradation of forests, rather than deforestation, which involves leaving plots of land bare. Given the increasing frequency and severity of natural and climatic hazards, where the situation permits, ANR appears to be the most appropriate method for restoring degraded forests. The funding of ANR work also makes it possible to encourage longer silvicultural cycles and more progressive, sustainable management. It is therefore common for Reforest'Action to support ANR projects in temperate zones.

## Preserving and developing carbon and biodiversity sinks
This method also focuses on preserving biodiversity and the carbon storage function of soils and above- and below-ground biomass throughout the process, by avoiding clear-cutting and bare soil. Thanks to artificial intelligence models and cutting-edge technologies based in particular on satellite imagery, Reforest'Action is now able to estimate above-ground and underground biomass at a given moment and deduce the carbon stored on our ANR projects. With a view to projecting and measuring impact, our ANR projects are designed as genuine projects to preserve carbon sinks and biodiversity. 

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Assisted Natural Regeneration, a solution for preserving and developing carbon sinks and biodiversity over the long term

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Plus de 700 personnes œuvrent aujourd’hui au sein du Groupe RG avec pour devise : Bien conseillé, Mieux protégé ! Notre but est de construire un groupe solide au travers d’un développement durable et rentable en veillant au juste équilibre entre éthique professionnelle, respect humain et environnemental. Depuis 2007, le Groupe RG est signataire du GLOBAL COMPACT et s’engage dans cette initiative de l’ONU qui prône la responsabilité sociétale. L’implication, la compétence et le niveau d’expertise de nos collaborateurs sont des priorités sur lesquelles le Groupe RG investit constamment. Parce que ce sont les hommes et les femmes de RG qui forgent au quotidien la réussite du groupe, la reconnaissance et la promotion des talents sont une marque de fabrique du Groupe.

RG SAFETY

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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Avocatier

Chêne soyeux

Mouroungue

Margousier

Pêcher

Pin du Mexique

Podocarpe à grandes feuilles

Tulipier du Gabon

Fruits: bois d'oeuvre: bois de chauffe: biodiversité: lutte contre l'érosion: maintien de la qualité de l'eau- Activités touristiques (visite: tours: vélo: hotellerie: etc.) - Sensibilisation auprès des écoles: mise en place d'une "green school"

NO_POVERTY

ZERO_HUNGER

QUALITY_EDUCATION

DECENT_WORK_AND_ECONOMIC_GROWTH

CLIMATE_ACTION

LIFE_ON_LAND

PARTNERSHIP_FOR_THE_GOALS

Preservation of local biodiversity by providing suitable habitats and resources.

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

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

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

Between 1990 and 2010, Tanzania lost 19.4% of its forest area, or around 8 million hectares. Today, it is still one of the world's most deforested countries, with 400,000 hectares of forest destroyed every year. This is due to the expansion of agricultural and grazing land to the detriment of forests, felling for charcoal and firewood production, and forest fires caused by industrial activities.

Reforest'Action has joined forces with Friends of Usambara to restore the biodiversity of the Usambara Mountains, raise awareness among local populations of the importance of forests and agroforestry, and support them in the sustainable management of their trees.

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Aulne andin

Cyprès

Eucalyptus

Recovery of degraded soils: conservation of water sources and fight against desertification - Valorisation of low value land. - Generation of income sources - Improvement of family nutrition. Protection and management of plantations in the initial phase Training in sustainable agriculture and pastoralism Social awareness of forestry and environmental issues Training and technical assistance in forestry and environmental management (installation and management).

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CLEAN_WATER_AND_SANITATION

REDUCED_INEQUALITIES

RESPONSIBLE_CONSUMPTION_AND_PRODUCTION

At an altitude of over 2,000 meters, the misty landscape of the Piura highlands is deceptive. This is indeed an arid ecosystem, made up of sparse dry forests threatened by desertification. The harsh climate is compounded by deforestation, a consequence of growing agricultural needs. According to the Servicio Nacional Forestal y de Fauna Silvestre, over 600,000 hectares of forest have been illegally cleared in the Piura region over the past twenty years. The province of Huancabamba, where the project financed by Reforest'Action is located, suffers the highest rate of deforestation. The near absence of vegetation exposes arable soils to water and wind erosion. Fires, which feed on the scanty brushwood, also represent a growing threat, while long periods without rainfall are dangerously drying up water resources.

Reforest’Action is associated with the Peruvian NGO Progreso, founded in 1993\. The NGO has more than 25 years of experience in the development of agroforestry systems, the improvement of food security for the populations of the Piura region and the fight against climate change. The Progreso team works hand in hand with local district governments and farming communities. Progreso will ensure the monitoring of the planted trees and raise awareness among villagers about sustainable agriculture and the importance of preserving forests.

Starting in 2019, this is the second natural ecosystem regeneration project financed by Reforest'Action in Peru. On the highlands of the Piura region and in partnership with Peruvian NGO PROGRESO, the actions carried out aim to regenerate the eroded soil and to fight against desertification. In this context, planting trees is an effective way of improving the soil, with many positive cascading effects: better water infiltration, control of water erosion, barrier against mudslides, recovery and maintenance of water resources, and improved soil fertility. At the surface, tree crowns act as windbreaks against wind erosion. Besides, the presence of vegetation in the landscape also generates a more humid microclimate, conducive to agriculture and livestock farming.

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Bigaradier

Palmier royal des Caraïbes

Papayer

Arbre de pluie

Anone réticulée

Baobab mauricien

Acajou des Antilles

Cacaoyer

Anacardier

Acajou cédrel

Chêne

Fruit à pain

Corossol épineux

Manguier

Figuier commun

Oranger

- Production of 500,000 seedlings
- Training of beneficiaries
-  Knowledge transfer
- Use techniques as close as possible to those already known by farmers
- Encourage organic production

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AFFORDABLE_AND_CLEAN_ENERGY

SUSTAINABLE_CITIES_AND_COMMUNITIES

Discovered in the 15th century by Christopher Columbus, the island of Hispaniola, comprising Haiti to the west and the Dominican Republic to the east, was originally 80% covered by a wide variety of trees. Today, Haiti is one of the most deforested countries in the world, with only 2% of the country's total surface area covered by woodland. In 2022 alone, deforestation in the country emitted 894,000 tons of CO2 equivalent. Today, facing extreme poverty, the rural population is forced to chop down trees to produce charcoal, the only fuel available in the absence of any national energy policy. Farming families are bearing the brunt of negative impacts resulting from forest ecosystem destruction: soil degradation and lower crop productivity, prolonged drought, water pollution and more.

Agrinotech stands for "new agricultural technologies". Agrinotech is a Haitian association specializing in the deployment of agricultural techniques conducive to the sustainable management of natural resources and the socio-economic development of local populations. Founded by a group of Haitian and American agronomists, Agrinotech focuses in particular on soil conservation and environmental preservation, as well as on training local producers in the latest sustainable farming methods.

Reforest'Action is partnering with Agrinotech to run an agroforestry project that is both socially meaningful and impact-generating. In nine sections of the Saint-Michel de l'Attalaye region, our partner is dedicated to raise awareness among local populations and to provide training in sustainable agriculture, the only viable means of subsistence in the face of climate change. Forest, fruit, and medicinal species have been integrated into the crops of farmers from the municipality of Saint-Michel-de-l'Attalaye. The primary goals of this program are to regenerate the area's vegetation cover and to ensure the food and economic security of local communities. However, long-term objectives include preserving water sources and groundwater, which are already under threat, and increasing stream flows in the Saint-Michel area, while providing people with sustainably sourced timber in order to reduce pressure on surrounding forests.

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Crossing the river to reach the project area

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Cedar tree restored through natural regeneration 


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Project beneficiary with a regenerated tree 

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Beekeeping economic activity made possible by the project 

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Natural regeneration happening in the northeastern region of Peru, project area

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Cannelier de Ceylan

Orme d'Amerique

Café arabica

Guazuma crinita

Adenaria floribunda

Acajou du Honduras

Cacaoyer bicolore

Caïmite

Rocouyer

Cocotier

Mansoa alliacea

Erythrina fusca

Palmier de Panama

Calycophyllum spruceanum

Calathea lutea

Citronnier

Basilic

Chondrodendron tomentosum

Annona cordifolia

Indigo suffrutescent

Croton tarapotensis

Morelle à feuilles en forme de coqueret

Panache d'officier

Lonchocarpus utilis

Griffe de chat

Caraipa jaramilloi

Jonc hollandais

Herrania mariae

Psychotria viridis

Cyclanthera pedata

Aloysia virgata

Bambusa guadua

Entada polyphylla

Coccoloba excelsa

Brunfelsia bonodora

Sloanea ternifolia

Aspidosperma capitatum

Herbe à sang

Grias neuberthii 

Piper elongatum

Croton matourensis

The project takes place in the Peruvian Amazon, in the region of San Martin. Their principals’ objectives are fight against deforestation, preserve endangered tree species, restore degraded ecosystems and reassess more species of native flora. To achieve these the project incentives the restauration through an economic incentive to the beneficiaries and provide, technical support for agroforestry systems.

Historically located around the city of Tarapoto, in the Cordillera Escalera Conservation Area, the project has expanded over the years to encompass three northeastern regions in Peru: San Martín, Loreto and Ucayali. Anchored in the upper Amazon, the project area was originally covered by tropical forests and wetlands. Since the late 20th century, the expansion of agricultural programmes for the cultivation of coffee, cocoa, bananas, maize and manioc, as well as the construction of road infrastructure have led to the massive deforestation of primary forests. The families of the Shawi, Awajun and Quechua ethnic groups are increasingly suffering from the disappearance of natural ecosystems: changes in the rainy season, prolonged droughts and lack of water are becoming commonplace.

Founded in 2004, the Urku Centre, located in Tarapoto, carries out activities to develop Amazonian biodiversity and raise awareness among local communities. Made up of a multidisciplinary team that combines traditional and scientific knowledge, the Urku Centre monitors the production of seedlings in several nurseries, as well as the logistics of the plantations. Alongside local cooperatives, our partner also ensures the recovery and growth of the planted trees.


Initiated in 2015, the project developed in the Peruvian region of San Martín is the first project financed by Reforest'Action at the very heart of the Amazon rainforest. Currently implemented within two Shawi communities, the 2022-2023 season reflects the evolution of the work carried out with the local people. Today, it is no longer about planting trees, but promoting the natural regeneration of the forest. Since 2022, the Urku Centre, which is the project leader on the ground, has been working hand in hand with the Shawi people to fight deforestation and restore degraded ecosystems, without planting. With funding from Reforest'Action, our partner is developing and promoting a range of economic incentives to discourage farming families from further damaging their land through conventional practices or from cutting down the surrounding forest. By allowing nature to take over, many of the region's native trees and plants will be able to regenerate on their own. 

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

Sumatra: economic resilience depends on environmental restoration

Assisted Natural Regeneration, a solution for preserving and developing carbon sinks and biodiversity over the long term