The Restorative Forest of Guayraloma

This project will proceed a hectare or two at a time over an 8 year period, but the effects will endure for generations into the future. First, there were planning workshops with the Association membership and community members, as well as local government agencies. Next universities were called to consult about product development and technical issues. Now the timetable for implementation has begun. An area was cleared of eucalyptus trees and agave was established. As the agave grows, the plants are evaluated and uses planned. Other native plants will be established. The association members have attended evaluation and planning sessions. Resources and methods are under consideration to measure a baseline Soil Organic Carbon level inside the project area. Periodic SOC reading will be taken to determine progress over the years. Biomass and soil moisture will be monitored and measured over the years. When broom plants produce flowers, the beekeeping will be established as a community effort with training for farmers who will establish hives on their property. When it is determined sustainable, camelids will be introduced for controlled grazing. Efforts are being made to find funds from local governments and NGOs. In the meantime, community members are contributing time and tools to work groups to transform the area. They also participate in meetings, planning and training. Farmers will take the experiences of the project to their small family farms. Mushuk Yuyay leaders are consulting with university and government technicians about expanded collaboration as the project grows.