Can you imagine a world with no trees? The principal cause of deforestation in Chiapas is the lost of traditions among indigenous communities. Their way of living which is centered in the use of wood for heat, cooking, building and also the agriculture methods burning the ground are causing an accelerated destruction of the forests. Teaching the children how to create and protect the forests is centered in recovering the tradition of caring for nature and producing wood to cover their needs.
Economics needs are changing the traditions towards nature among indigenous communities in Chiapas. The way of living is based in the use of wood for heat and construction. To prepare the land for agriculture, they cut the trees and burn the remains. Chiapas is the 3rd place at a national level in destruction of forests. Children don't know the importance nor the care of forests anymore. Elders are not teaching them their traditions and respect for nature.
Na Bolom makes projects that take into account both economic needs and cultural characteristics of each area. We consider this is the only way to create a long term solution. By working with children, we are preparing the new generations so that they are the ones who take care of the forests in the long term and learn other forms of production without having to completely lose their identity. The community will produce the wood they need, whilst keeping their traditions and involve parents too.
The nurseries will be installed in the community grounds and the local school where 216 students will participate. We will train the teachers to continue with the project and work with students of different ages. Every year the kids will plant the trees they produce in the nursery and teachers and parents will do the follow up. The trees will be planted in the community surroundings and will provide 100,000 plants to reforest the area. Among the trees there will be fruits and wood species.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
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