Planting trees for people and birds

In regions such as Los Altos de Chiapas, Mexico, reforestation and ecological restoration projects must be not only biologically relevant, but also culturally relevant. This area is mainly inhabited by Tsotsil and Tzeltal communities, who maintain a close relationship with the ecosystems. This relationship is manifested in diverse practices, conceptions, uses and values towards the forests and nature.

In this context, plants have multiple uses: as firewood, wood for construction, food, ornamentation, and also for ceremonial and ritual purposes. For example, rosemary (Abies guatemalensis) is used to decorate nativity scenes in December; Te' Bolom (Alnus jorullensis) is valued in one of Zinacantán's most important festivals; Tilil (Myrsine juergensenii) and Konkon (Cavendishia bracteata) are used to decorate altars. Likewise, the leaves of Sap yok (Quercus calophylla), K'ab xoch' (Chiranthodendron pentadactylon) and Jabnal (Oreopanax peltatus) are used as wrappings for traditional corn tamales of the region.

Faced with the current socio-environmental crises, some communities in Los Altos have taken the initiative to recover areas such as native forests, water holes, and sacred natural sites. These places function as conservation nuclei and key points to promote not only reforestation actions, but also restoration projects.

Pronatura Sur seeks to accompany these initiatives, beginning with the collection of seeds and the reproduction of native plants in risk categories, integrating the cultural values of the communities in this process. Community involvement is essential to accompany the restoration processes, understand the contexts and make pertinent suggestions for restoration; in recent years, work has been reinforced in ceremonial sites and in the recovery of vegetation around water holes. These concrete and specific efforts continue to be possible thanks to your contributions.

Links:

• Pronatura Sur web page