Fighting Climate Change: Choco and Nearby Hamlets Reforest and Restore
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Loading... - Richard Moore
- 30 Jul 2024
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High in the Piuran mountain range, nestled among dense clouds, lies the town of Choco. Once surrounded by lush natural forests, Choco's environment suffered greatly due to increasing population pressures, leading to deforestation and the loss of vital springs. In the face of this environmental degradation, several organizations have rallied to promote sustainable rural development and reforestation.
Initial Efforts and Early Success
The first reforestation efforts in Choco were initiated over 14 years ago by the Diocese of Chulucanas, with the support of German NGOs MISEREOR and Catholic Relief Services through the “Villa Nazaret” project. According to Jenner García, a zootechnician engineer and representative of the NGO Association for the Promotion of Rural Economic and Social Management (PROGRESO), this initial project successfully reforested 20 hectares.
Building on this foundation, another significant project commenced in 2010, leading to the reforestation of 224 hectares across 10 hamlets. More than 500 families participated in this project, marking the first time carbon credit sales were utilized in the Piura region. This practice allows companies to purchase "bonds" to offset their CO2 emissions, creating a financial incentive for reforestation.
Reforestation and Its Impact
The reforestation projects focused on planting four species of trees: two introduced species, the Patula Pine and the Radiata Pine, and two native species, the Alder and the Quinahuiro. These efforts have brought significant environmental and economic benefits to the community.
“Thanks to these projects, Choco’s communal lands have been transformed from degraded areas to fertile, productive landscapes,” says García. He highlights several key benefits:
- Increased Land Value: The reforestation has increased the value of the land, providing access to firewood and timber.
- Economic Benefits: Families have received income from planting trees, which facilitated the sale of carbon credits to companies.
- Sustainable Development: The projects have fostered a sustainable approach to land management and rural development.
Future Prospects
The success of these reforestation initiatives demonstrates the potential for sustainable rural development through community involvement and innovative practices such as carbon credit sales. As Choco and its neighboring hamlets continue to rehabilitate their lands, these efforts contribute significantly to fighting climate change and restoring ecological balance in the region.
By recovering part of its communal lands and enhancing biodiversity, Choco sets an example for other communities facing similar challenges. The collaborative efforts between local communities, NGOs, and international partners highlight the importance of integrated approaches to environmental conservation and rural development.
Through ongoing reforestation and sustainable land management practices, Choco and other hamlets in the Piuran mountain range are making significant strides towards a greener and more resilient future.
