Reforestation and Forest Care
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The Comizahual Regenerative Farm is divided into three parts: a high area where we live, a very steep hillside, and an old forest in the lower area. The forest is in the valley of a ravine and has many trees and animals. In contrast, the slope and the hill are highly degraded due to conventional agricultural practices.
We are taking care of the old forest and planting some shade fruit trees in the understory, mainly cacao. We wish to reforest the ravine with a great diversity of native trees to create a microclimate and habitat for wildlife. Both zones will come together over time to form a resilient forest and a water recharge zone. Meanwhile, our agricultural focus is to cultivate an edible forest in the upland area around our house. We are in the process of installing the paths and landscaping details. We are beginning to plant and care for fruit trees, vegetables, medicinal herbs, and flowers, among other plants for our consumption and to sell. In the long term we hope to build a tilapia pond and an animal barn among other structures. Over time we will see that the soil becomes fertile soil full of micro-biology, that is, a living soil in which plants can develop. |
Water Care
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Our Farm has a natural spring, a water hole that marks the beginning of a stream. This spring and the stream are important for providing water to the various wild, aquatic animals and plants in the area.
Among the animals that we have seen are: deer, armadillos, agoutis, squirrels, opossums, wild cats, iguanas, snakes, owls, toucans, motmots, and a diversity of other birds. Living in the water holes there are a variety of aquatic species, such as frogs, crabs and fish, among others. Additionally, there is moss which is an indicator of life in these places. As a farm we are faced with the fact that this water is threatened, which therefore affects wildlife. A large amount of the trash and grey water coming from the nearby community pollutes the stream and ends up in the natural springs and ponds. For this reason we are working to mitigate this environmental problem so that the life of this forest continues to prosper and regenerate. |
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Araute River
Santa Anita, Río Araute, Jocoaitique, Morazán
The foundation of our family lies in Santa Anita, the Araute River, Jocoaitique, Morazán. This is where Silvia and Isaac's father was born, where his father and mother were born, where our ancestors are from. This river is of great importance for our Lenca culture, since its forests preserve great biodiversity. On the banks of this river we are protecting 17 acres of forest. These woods have a great variety of native trees that help purify the air, and the river water feeds life and provides a space where biodiversity grows every day. This forest is a lung for Jocoaitique, and protecting it is in our hands.
La Fortaleza
San Fernando, Morazán
A prosperous farm committed to sustainability
a family project led by Enma Luz Ramos.
La Fortaleza is more than a simple farm; It is a space where environmental conservation is intertwined with sustainable food production. In this integrated farm, two main areas of work are carried out:
1. Forest Conservation and Restoration:
• An area of about three and half acres is home to a mixed pine and oak forest, which is the result of arduous conservation and reforestation work.
• Unfortunately, at the end of 2015 and 2016, the bark weevil plague hit several areas of the country, also affecting La Fortaleza. Approximately 300 pine trees succumbed to this pest, leaving a portion of the property devastated.
• However, in the face of adversity arose the determination to restore the affected forest. Since 2017, 300 new pine trees have been planted in a phased manner.
• This reforestation effort not only seeks to recover the forest for the benefit of wildlife and the ecosystem in general, but also to preserve a vital water recharge zone for the region.
2. Establishment of organic crops and sustainable livestock:
• The farm is also dedicated to the organic cultivation of a wide variety of products, including:
- Vegetable plots, biennial and perennial fruit trees
- A cacao area in production
- Medicinal and aromatic plants
• This initiative mainly seeks to supply the family with fresh and healthy products for their daily diet.
• Following this self-sufficiency approach, basic grains such as corn, beans and sorghum are grown for family consumption, livestock and poultry.
• In addition, a small-scale livestock farming system is implemented in rotational grazing, combining forage production with trees and grasses, to obtain milk and dairy products for family consumption.
• The farm also has an apiary that produces honey for both internal consumption and sale.
• In addition, sugar cane is grown for the production of sweets and other sugar cane derivatives for family consumption and local marketing.
In essence, La Fortaleza represents an exemplary model of sustainable agriculture and livestock, where environmental conservation and the production of healthy food go hand in hand.
A wonderful video showing the processing of sugarcane at La Fortaleza is viewable on YouTube at https://youtu.be/0R9ILcfmkDw.
