Veracruz - Mexico
Agroforestry
Reforest'Action is partnering with AMEBOSCO to develop agroforestry in order to restore degraded ecosystems in the state of Veracruz, Mexico.
2021 - 2022
Financé
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.
To support local vanilla cultivation among small-scale producers, the project aims to develop agroforestry by introducing trees into the vanilla fields. These trees will contribute to the direct protection of the vanilla plants by sheltering them from rain and sunlight, enriching the soil with nutrients and preventing soil erosion. Some tree species will act as stakes for the vanilla plants and support their healthy growth. The agroforestry systems created will also allow farmers to diversify their production by harvesting fruits from trees such as mango, zapote and jonote. These fruits will be used for food or for sale on markets in order to generate additional income and improve their economic situation. Before the implementation of the project, AMEBOSCO brought together 110 vanilla producers to introduce the project and plan activities. In parallel, five community nurseries were built to accommodate the seeds collected in the native forests, particularly from the ceiba, a tropical tree whose trunk is covered with thorns.
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.
