Planting trees for people and birds

In the Highlands of Chiapas region, the confluence of cultures is as diverse as the participation and collaboration of women in the development and implementation of sustainable projects that contribute substantially to the wellbeing of their communities (rural and urban), and to the conservation of natural resources. Ecological restoration actions and initiatives in the region are managed and implemented by many women. They make requests for trees to reforest their plots, they coordinate conservation and landscape restoration projects, they link society within the territory, they are bird monitors, they also work in the production of native plants, they manage and direct international projects; all these women are leaders in nature conservation.

Balancing personal and family life with professional life and the one that allows participation in society is the constant dedication. Advancing in a field in which gender stereotypes that limit and question the performance of women still prevail is also a barrier that has been losing importance with the increasingly active presence of women in the territory. What distinguishes each woman who works in the development of these restoration projects is their perseverance and passion for what they do; this is how opportunities have been created, increasing equity and reducing gender gaps. For many it has implied great cultural, social and professional challenges to be in these leadership positions; however, today it can be said with certainty that it has served to strengthen the character and determination to continue creating paths of opportunity for society and for nature.

In the Highlands of Chiapas region, women decide to create gardens for pollinators and birds in the vicinity of their environment (school, home, work), promote the creation of training processes for gardeners, manage and dialogue with the owners of the territory, facilitate and train in conservation and ecological restoration, are accompanied by their children and grandchildren attending citizen reforestation days, create collaborative networks, implement environmental education projects, enjoy, observe and count the birds and, among many other things; They all work for and with life!

Links:

• Pronatura Sur web page