Help indigenous women conserve the environment

This project aims to restore forests that preserve rivers and springs in the Boruca Indigenous Territory, through the active participation of Indigenous women, their families, and a team of over 100 annual volunteers. Throughout the year, various actions have been implemented focused on reforestation and building local capacity to sustainably manage the region's natural resources.

Training Workshops and Seedling Production: In collaboration with local organizations like Osa Conservation, 65 representatives from the Boruca and Térraba communities have been trained in advanced ecosystem restoration methodologies. These workshops have equipped participants with knowledge on reforestation techniques, nursery management, and the integration of sustainable practices into their daily productive activities. Additionally, ancestral knowledge has been shared, integrating human rights, gender, and interculturality approaches into the workshops.

One of the most significant achievements has been the establishment of seedling production in community nurseries in both Boruca and Chacarita. 17,000 native species seedlings are being produced in these nurseries, which will be used to restore 400 hectares of Indigenous and communal land. This effort not only contributes to the conservation of water resources and biodiversity but also strengthens local value chains by linking seedling production to the community economy.

Use of Technology to Maximize Impact: A key innovation in this project has been the use of advanced technology, such as drones, to monitor and optimize reforestation efforts. This technology allows the identification of priority restoration areas and ensures that available resources are used efficiently, maximizing the environmental and economic impact of the project. This approach has been crucial in improving the precision and effectiveness of reforestation activities, translating into greater benefits for both the communities and the ecosystem.

Empowerment of Indigenous Women: A fundamental aspect of this project has been the empowerment of Indigenous women through training in seedling production and other economic activities related to environmental restoration. 51 women entrepreneurs have received resources and support to develop their own restoration and production projects, which has not only enhanced their technical skills but also strengthened their leadership capacity within their communities. These women are playing a central role in promoting sustainable practices and preserving natural resources for future generations.

Key Outcomes:

• 17,000 seedlings have been produced to restore degraded areas, contributing to the protection of rivers and springs in Boruca.
• The use of drones has improved the efficiency and reach of reforestation efforts, enabling more strategic planning.
• Indigenous women have been empowered as leaders in environmental restoration, strengthening their productive capacities and fostering sustainable value chains.