By Lesly Bravo | Well Being Promoter, Midwife & Doula
The process developed in the community of Chuicutama reflects a collective effort rooted in the territory, shared knowledge, and a deep respect for life. This communal effort has been made possible through a cooperative work model, where women and men have participated equally, reinforcing gender equity as a fundamental pillar for sustainable development and community harmony.
In this process, women have taken on a leading role as leaders, caretakers of the land, and guardians of ancestral memory. They have raised their voices, shared their perspectives, and expressed themselves firmly, demonstrating that equity not only transforms social dynamics but also strengthens the spiritual and practical relationship with Mother Earth. This shared journey has built trust, mutual responsibility, and a sense of belonging to the community's sacred forests.
As part of building local capacities, citizen scientists were trained through workshops covering key topics such as the environment, agroforestry systems (AFS), planting processes, tree monitoring, and evaluation. This educational process combined technical knowledge with local wisdom, helping the community understand that planting is not an isolated act but a living cycle requiring care, observation, and constant commitment.
In November, the Board of Directors of the "Living Forests, Thriving Communities: Chuicutama in Action" project visited the mountains of Chuicutama, considered sacred spaces for their environmental, spiritual, and cultural value. During this visit, native species such as palo blanco, pino colorado, pino blanco, alder, oak, and aguacatillo were planted. Transporting the trees to the planting areas was a significant effort, as project members carried them on their backs, walking trails and steep paths—a symbolic act of dedication, sacrifice, and love for the land.
Of all the trees planted, a 95% survival rate has been recorded, with an average growth of 8 to 10 centimeters. This success has been supported by the natural conditions of the humid and cloud forests, ecosystems that play an essential role in oxygen generation, moisture retention, and water cycle regulation. The mist, morning breeze, and constant humidity nourish the trees, strengthen their roots, and contribute to the territory’s water recharge.
These cloud forests not only sustain plant life but also protect a rich diversity of wildlife that still inhabits the sacred mountains. Here, you can breathe pure air, hear the birds sing, and feel the natural balance that persists thanks to community care. Reforestation, therefore, is not just seen as an environmental action but as a healing act for the land and a reconnection with Mother Earth.
More than just survival, this process shows that Mother Earth has accepted the trees, recognized the seeds, and allowed their roots to anchor in the soil to bring life. Every tree planted is a seed of resilience, a silent promise of hope for future generations. These actions aim to ensure a dignified life, strengthen community identity, and demonstrate—on a local, national, and international level—that Chuicutama is a living territory with natural, spiritual, and human richness.
This collective effort reaffirms that planting trees is planting the future, planting hope, and honoring the life that pulses in every corner of the sacred mountains.
This project not only restores sacred forests but strengthens bonds within the community and with the Earth itself. We invite you to continue standing with us, empowering Chuicutama to nurture its land, its people, and its bright future. Together, we can make an enduring impact.
By Lesly Bravo | Well Being Promoter, Midwife & Doula
By Lesly Bravo | Well Being Promoter, Midwife & Doula
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