Reforestation as an alternative to climate change in the province of Cochabamba (Bolivia)
From the municipality of Vacas, in Bolivia, Aniceto Arroyo sends us the following testimony:
For 14 years, the Community of Saint Paul has been involved in different development projects in the highlands of this municipality of Vacas. One of them is the initiative of reforestation in ten rural communities. Climate change has reduced the harvest of Andean tubers typical of the area, producing a large migration of peasants to the cities, where they often become poorly paid labor.
The reforestation project in Vacas, through which one hundred hectares have been planted with more than 50,000 pine seedlings, is a long-term initiative that aims to provide wood for construction and for use in the home.
Community leaders have played a very important role in this process. Young David, for example, became involved in it since the time he was 12, and became one of its pillars. A few days ago, we were pleased to learn that the municipality of Vacas recognized the value of the project as an alternative for the future of their families. As a result, the municipality proposes to double production, including 120 families in its development. The proposal will be presented to the national government, which has resources for the environment from the European Union. In this context, the municipality has chosen young David as a technician to carry out the project during the next three years. They feel that an external person would not be involved in the same way as this young man from the community, who has a great experience of producing seedlings in the territory, 3,000 meters above sea level.
David, who has been the soul of this community work for ten years—despite not having finished high school—will be part of the positive change that continues to arrive in the area. The community is proud of its achievement and is confident that he will play a great role in carrying out the project. We hope that in a few years there will not be only one David, but many, helping the population of these areas achieve a dignified life.
For 14 years, the Community of Saint Paul has been involved in different development projects in the highlands of this municipality of Vacas. One of them is the initiative of reforestation in ten rural communities. Climate change has reduced the harvest of Andean tubers typical of the area, producing a large migration of peasants to the cities, where they often become poorly paid labor.
The reforestation project in Vacas, through which one hundred hectares have been planted with more than 50,000 pine seedlings, is a long-term initiative that aims to provide wood for construction and for use in the home.
Community leaders have played a very important role in this process. Young David, for example, became involved in it since the time he was 12, and became one of its pillars. A few days ago, we were pleased to learn that the municipality of Vacas recognized the value of the project as an alternative for the future of their families. As a result, the municipality proposes to double production, including 120 families in its development. The proposal will be presented to the national government, which has resources for the environment from the European Union. In this context, the municipality has chosen young David as a technician to carry out the project during the next three years. They feel that an external person would not be involved in the same way as this young man from the community, who has a great experience of producing seedlings in the territory, 3,000 meters above sea level.
David, who has been the soul of this community work for ten years—despite not having finished high school—will be part of the positive change that continues to arrive in the area. The community is proud of its achievement and is confident that he will play a great role in carrying out the project. We hope that in a few years there will not be only one David, but many, helping the population of these areas achieve a dignified life.
