Reforestation and Renewal
Naturaleza Organic Jewelry was born in Nicaragua from Marlon's love of his family homeplace. He discovered the unique trees, seeds, stones that are incorporated in his art as a child exploring the forests, and later as a professional archaeologist.
As part of our commitment to sustainability we are transforming cattle pasture into forest. Each year we plant thousands of trees in San Lorenzo, Nicaragua, to create a refuge for wildlife, birds and pollinators. The hardwood trees are a renewable resource for the future, and most importantly carbon capturing lungs to combat climate change.
In San Lorenzo, most people are subsistence farmers and cattle ranchers, like Marlon's family. Deforestation in San Lorenzo has led to myriad issues, especially the scarcity of water. The rivers that were once deep enough for swimming now hold only a trickle of water when they are wet, impacting local wildlife and biodiversity.
The effects of deforestation and climate change disproportionately affect the poor. When big rains come many are at risk for disaster from mudslides caused by eroding deforested land. During the dry season local drinking water is scarce and rationed.
It's common for eco-conscientious businesses to "plant a tree" for every sale. But we know from our first hand experience that successful long-term reforestation requires a lot of work. The trees don't just have to be planted, first they are grown from seed. Once they are planted, they must be lovingly cared for, weeded, watered, fertilized and pruned. Even hardwoods have to be pruned encourage growth many years after they are planted.
Many reforestation efforts in Nicaragua have not proven to be sustainable due to the cost and commitment required to ensure their long term success after the first saplings are planted. Our commitment is unwavering, and is at the heart of our mission.
It is incredible how the ecosystem is already transforming as the new trees become established, providing shade and habitat. We couldn't believe our ears the first time we heard howler monkeys nearby! Now the monkeys are visiting regularly because there is a tree canopy that reaches the river. There are many more squirrels, butterflies, tree frogs and birds.
In the long run we hope that the reforested areas will be able to generate new income sources for the community through eco-tourism. In the short term, the arborists caring for the trees have a source of income where work is very scarce and many are migrating to Costa Rica and the US.
