Reviving the Rainforest: Progress of the Viveros Hermanos Project
Latin American nature is known for its incredible biodiversity. The vibrant colors of Colombia’s lush plant and animal life make the forests look like a colorful painting with rich shades of green.
Without this ancient ecosystem, many species—often threatened with extinction—would not survive. Today, many researchers agree that every living organism, from the smallest microorganism to the largest mammal, plays a crucial role in these complex ecosystems.
However, all species in Colombia’s forests face daily threats from human activities: mining, agriculture driven by monocultures and mass production, as well as climate change, all put immense pressure on them.
The organization Fundación Estación Biológica Bachaqueros (FEBB) is actively working to protect these unique natural habitats by focusing on restoring local flora
The project has been implemented in 7 valleys of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta – the ‘Corazon del Mundo’ – Heart of the World in Colombia
Through the Viveros Hermanos Project, FEBB and Make Me Smile International (MMSI) aim to not only conserve biodiversity by planting threatened native tree species but also to enhance social and ecological connectivity in affected regions.
Progress and Achievements
The project officially started on December 2, 2019, with the support of Make Me Smile International. The goal of the first phase was to produce and plant 100,000 native tree seedlings. The project follows an innovative socio-dynamic research approach, emphasizing participatory educational initiatives.
Micro-nurseries play a crucial role in the project. They serve as local production centers that contribute to forest restoration, watershed conservation, and biodiversity enhancement.
Schools and teachers, unable to conduct in-person classes during the pandemic, adapted by setting up nurseries in their homes, allowing students to continue learning virtually.
FEBB, along with volunteers and community members, achieved significant milestones:
- Collaboration with 90 local stakeholders, including indigenous communities, Afro-Colombian groups, farmers, and “neo-farmers.”
- Partnerships with 20 educational institutions to promote environmental education and hands-on nursery projects.
- Involvement of 75 micro-nurseries, each producing between 350 to 6,000 trees.
Success of Nucleus Nurseries
Five central “Nucleus nurseries” have been established for the production of seedlings. Together, by mid 2020 all nurseries had achieved an average of 55% of the goal of producing 50,000 tree seedlings within the first six months. The successes of the first six months speak for themselves:
- Nascua Nursery: 10,000 seedlings
- Jaguar del Carrizal Nursery: 9,000 seedlings
- Quebrada del Plátano Nursery: 1,400 seedlings
- Las Mercedes Nursery: 2,920 seedlings
- San Cristóbal Nursery: 1,600 seedlings
These Nucleus nurseries play a crucial role in planting endangered tree species and preserving the region’s biodiversity.
Reflection & Prospects
The Viveros Hermanos Project has quickly become a cornerstone for environmental conservation and social development in Colombia. The strong collaboration between local stakeholders, educational institutions, and volunteers has paved the way for long-term, sustainable environmental solutions.
With the support of Make Me Smile International, FEBB has successfully conducted training programs for environmental conservation and established a robust network of micro and macro nurseries. This initiative not only creates new habitats for endangered species like the Jaguar but also provides a sustainable future for indigenous cultures, whose traditions are deeply connected to the forests’ survival.
The first phase of the project was successfully completed and 120,000 trees were grown and planted.
The coordinates and data of approximately 10,000 trees were recorded using georeferencing. These serve as a basis for monitoring their condition and evaluating how many of them continue to grow successfully.
In a second phase of the project, additional tree nurseries will be opened in cooperation with over 220 forest owners/local stakeholders and communities in order to plant even more trees. The long-term goal of the project is to plant one million trees, revitalising a variety of ecosystems and creating healthier habitats for all kinds of living things.
Support us in this important mission to revitalise and sustain ecosystems in the heart of the world!
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