Workshop on native species based reforestation and forest conservation

Workshop between the Colonia Huanca group and the Nueva Florida group, Pichanaki, ©Envol Vert

In order to strengthen the bonds between the groups, Envol Vert organized a workshop on Saturday the 15th of March between the group from La Nueva Florida, which has just joined the project, and the older group from Colonia Huanca, in Pichanaki region. In fact, Envol Vert has only been working with participants from La Nueva Florida since 2024, but for over 5 years with participants from Colonia Huanca.

The group from La Nueva Florida came to visit the plot of Emilio Caballero, delegate of the Colonia Huanca group, whose coffee plot has 1,000 forest trees! Throughout a 5 years’ collaboration with Envol Vert, Don Emilio has succeeded in establishing 18 native forest species in an agroforestry system of coffee. Considering that La Nueva Florida and Colonia Huanca are neighboring villages, his plot was the ideal place for the new participants to discover agroforestry techniques for themselves, to exchange views directly with their neighbors, to gather feedback and to ask questions.

The day began with a brief introduction on agroforestry systems, how they work and what are their benefits. Different tree varieties were discussed, with a special focus on 4 species registered on the IUCN red list (International Union for Conservation of Nature), meaning those are species threatened with extinction. Noticeboards were set up across the plot detailing these 4 species ( mahogany Swietenia macrophylla, black walnut tree Juglans neotropica, cedar Cedrela odorata and ishpingo Amburana cearensis), so that everyone could learn and retain some pieces of information.

Don Emilio plot’s visit, Pichanaki, ©Envol Vert

On this day, we were accompanied by our allies from the SERNANP (National Service for Natural Protected Areas by the State). In addition, several forest rangers, volunteers and the head of the Pui Pui protected forest area, Dario Flores Mamani, were present. The SERNANP distributed infographic material and provided training on the role of birds, explaining their importance not only in the ecosystem, but also in attracting future tourists, since the development of ecotourism projects is an objective for this area.

Activity: Agroforestry systems vs Monocultures, ©Envol Vert

To round off this knowledge exchange, participants took part in the agroforestry versus monoculture game. It was a good way to review what had been discussed during the day.

At the end of the day, it was great to see how much the participants had enjoyed this knowledge and experiences sharing. Meeting neighbors, seeing the work of Envol Vert, having the support of SERNANP, and being visited by three French students from the NALIA association (Nature linked to agriculture) were highlighted as sources of motivation to commit to the protection of the environment. The day reinforced the farmers’ determination to implement more sustainable practices, and to develop economic alternatives based on forest conservation.