Reforestemos Foundation Consolidates Over a Decade of Restoring the Chilean Patagonia
The Coyhaique National Reserve witnessed an act of hope and environmental commitment: more than 40 volunteers from different parts of Chile joined the Reforestemos Foundation to plant 3 thousand native trees, in an event that marks over a decade of work in restoring the southern forests. The initiative, supported by the outdoor clothing brand Gnomo, not only seeks to recover the local flora but also to promote environmental education and community participation.
The foundation's executive director, Suzanne Wylie, highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships and citizen commitment in turning a dream into reality. "Our volunteer programs are the heart of this crusade: it is there that the community takes ownership of the challenge and turns it into a collective effort," she stated.
In an unprecedented action, the event extended to the Liceo San Felipe Benicio, where 30 students collaborated in planting 2,000 native trees, bringing to life the region's first school arboretum and an urban park dedicated to environmental education. This project is part of the foundation's Education Program and reflects the students' active involvement in ecological restoration.
Camila López, one of the volunteers, expressed the importance of these experiences: "Putting oneself at the service of the forest is rewarding and also revealing: one doesn't grasp the urgency until they are here, planting each tree. It is an honor to be able to contribute and feel that we are part of something bigger than ourselves."
Ecological Restoration with Local Roots
The Reforestemos Nursery, inaugurated in 2023 in partnership with the Coyhaique Municipality, is a fundamental pillar in the restoration strategy. It propagates native species from local seeds, ensuring the conservation of genetic identity and greater resilience against adverse climate conditions. In its second season, the nursery reached a historic production of 97,219 specimens of southern species.
With over 1.6 million native trees planted in 13 regions and three countries, the Reforestemos Foundation positions itself as a leader in the ecological restoration of Chile. Its comprehensive approach includes environmental education, fire prevention, species nursery cultivation, and reforestation, significantly contributing to biodiversity conservation and the fight against the effects of climate change.
