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Developing Reforestation Project in the Amazon

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MattSch
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Joined:	Sun Jan 27th, 2008
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Posts:	1
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Posted: Sun Jan 27th, 2008 10:42 am

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Hi all,

I'm interested in developing a reforestation project in the Peruvian Amazon. I'm working with some of the indigenous groups to create a project that will reforest areas deforested near their communities by extractive industry workers. While there is interest in the project (man power and space), we are unsure how to go about actually doing it. I was hoping someone might be able to reccomend some basic information, via websites, books or whatever, that might help me to understand how to recreate forests in tropical areas.

Our basic purpose for reforestation is to 1. stop massive soil erosion 2. incentavize return of animal species 3. bring back the sanctity of the forest to its previous beauty. (I've attached a pic so you can see the current conditions, although the terrain may be less elevated in areas we'll work)

Also, if someone knows something about gaining financial support that would be really useful.

Thank you,

matt

Attachment: Erosion.jpg (Downloaded 7 times)

Fred Morgan
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Joined:	Fri Aug 27th, 2004
Location:	Ciudad Quesada, Costa Rica
Posts:	141
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Posted: Sun Jan 27th, 2008 12:24 pm

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Hi Matt,

Not to be corny (or too much) - you have come to the right place (or the right person). This is what Finca Leola is doing.

The key to realize is that you can't get there directly but you need to do successions. If you have soil like that, your first challenge is to prevent erosion. I would start by placing debris across the flow of water to slow down the water. This is how a forest works - the roots and fallen limbs prevent the water from rushing down the slope. You want the same thing to occur.

There are trees that will grow anywhere - Look up Acacia on our website. http://www.fincaleola.com/acacia.html . This is a good example. What you are looking for are pioneer species. Acacia is a favorite of mine because I swear it would grow on concrete.

Once you get it established well, a year or two, you can interplant with other trees. Acacia is nitrogen fixing so it helps other trees grow - and it really does from my tests.

As far as bringing back animals - ask the locals which trees are best for animals and grow quickly - they should know. For us, cebo is a great tree. Fast growing and produces tons of food. Wildlife will find food.

One thing you might think about is how to make a permanent system. For example, think long term. If you bring back the forest, what is to keep poachers from cutting it down again? If anything, the value of wood is going up, especially in the tropics. Coming up with a long term strategy to protect the forest is important. Just because you want it preserved (and even own it) doesn't mean it will stay that way.

JohnnyV
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Joined:	Tue Mar 18th, 2008
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Posts:	1
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Posted: Tue Mar 18th, 2008 02:33 pm

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Good morning Matt,

I am also interested in reforestation fo the northern peruvian Amazon. I have been traveling there for 2 years now to study indiginous shamanism and their medicinal plants and am involved in importing one of the local products into the U.S.

As we develop our market in the U.S. we may be able to help financially but that won't be anything that could help you now.

I am also interested in living in Peru full time and working for a project like the one you'r putting together so PLEASE keep me informed on your progress and I will try to find a way in which I can help. I'd love to be there doing the work.

Thanks,

John

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