Project Report
| May 23, 2011
The Gaping Holes
By Mary Blizzard | Founding member of LRFF
![Elias in typical Maleku dress (made from trees)]()
Elias in typical Maleku dress (made from trees)
The cooperation between La Reserva Forest Foundation and the Maleku is bearing fruit. Soon planting will begin in the biological corridor along the Rio Sol which you can read about in the Rio Sol update. The rains are beginning which ensures the survival of the young trees being put into the ground. The beginning of the rains also means that tribal gatherings, ceremonies, and meetings need a space that’s protected from outside elements.
The last time I was in Costa Rica I stepped into the old rancho building to see the gaping holes in the roof which have been partially covered with plastic. It was clear that the walls were none too stable either, the need for a new structure was apparent. It amazes me that a new rancho can be built for less than $2,000 (try that in the US!) The plan calls for building it in the old way, using natural, sustainably harvested forest materials. The project will provide work for people in the community as well as giving them a usable meeting space. We can’t do it without your support, please donate today.
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Apr 4, 2011
Much Work To Do
By Mary Blizzard | Founding member of LRFF
![Maleku Ceremony with LRFF, etnies and the media]()
Maleku Ceremony with LRFF, etnies and the media
I was delighted to be able to take part in the kick-off to the cooperation between La Reserva Forest Foundation, Sole Technology, Inc. and the Maleku people. Working together, 35,000 trees will be planted along the Rio Sol which runs through the Maleku tribal land. The resulting biological corridor will transform the river, absorb over 500 tons of CO2 yearly, provide homes for a multitude of plant and animal species, and will give the Maleku people an area in which they can once again use the sustainable harvesting practices they’ve known for generations to return to their old ways. We have much to learn from them.
There is a great deal of work to be done by the Maleku Tribal Council in accomplishing their goal. Their gathering place for this work is in desperate need of renovation. The funding of this project will allow that work to occur so that the Tribal Council can continue their efforts to bring in additional people and lands for reforestation. Please help them accomplish their goal by donating to the completion of Rancho Bienvenidos.
![Tree planting with PIerre Andres and Alfredo]()
Tree planting with PIerre Andres and Alfredo
Links:
Mar 2, 2011
Sheltering Our Work
By Mary Blizzard | Founding member of LRFF
![Roadside Hawk seen at the maleku Reserve]()
Roadside Hawk seen at the maleku Reserve
The Maleku Tribal Council was formed as a legal entity to oversee the reforestation of Maleku native lands along the Rio Sol. You can read about the devastation visited upon these indigenous people in other places, but more importantly at this time is the fact that they are working together with LRFF to restore both their forests and their way of life.
Currently the only place the Tribal Council has for meetings necessary in this reforestation effort, is a small, old, one-room building (called a rancho) that is falling apart. Large sheets of plastic have been used in only partially successful attempts to keep the rain out. It rains a lot in this part of Costa Rica! Imagine, if you will, trying to hold meetings that may determine the success of your future in a building held together by plastic! The Maleku Tribal Council hopes that through this project on Global Giving, LRFF will be able to provide the funding necessary which will allow them to build a new rancho that will keep out the rain. Your support can make that happen.
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