Reforestation in Colombia: Working Toward a Restored Ecosystem

Working for forests in collaboration with local communities — a successful bet in Coraza. Envol Vert and the residents have made tree planting possible through a technique adapted to the reality of each plot. This reforestation project in Colombia is generating numerous positive outcomes.

On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, a field visit was carried out in Coraza on the plots belonging to project volunteers. The goal was to identify planting needs in each area covered by the conservation agreement. This agreement aims to protect water points known as jagüeyes, which are essential to the forest. A complementary objective was to strengthen biological connectivity corridors — in other words, to link forested areas together and allow the movement of fauna and flora. To achieve this, teams recommend planting only species adapted to local conditions. During field assessments, the species suited to each space were identified, along with the quantities required for each tree. But how can water areas be preserved in practice? It is essential to consider the sun’s orientation and prevent light from hitting the water directly. The goal is to create shaded areas around the jagüeyes, reducing water evaporation and enabling better conservation conditions.

For this reason, tree species such as camajón, ceiba, and roble were prioritized, as they provide good shade and thrive in the local territory. Achiote and orejero, meanwhile, represent a strong economic opportunity for communities. Their derived products — jams, chutneys, and other preparations — can be sold through the Tamandúa brand. The initiative has sparked interest among several neighboring residents who are not yet part of the project, motivated by the importance of protecting the jagüeyes and restoring degraded areas of their environment. This kind of action contributes to water and biodiversity conservation, and strengthens community commitment to environmental protection and territorial restoration.

Learn more about other reforestation initiatives led by Envol Vert.