Smart reforestation
Ensuring sustainability, optimal CO₂ absorption and minimal costs.
How do we do that?
- picking a place where forest grows quickly (tropics)
- planting biodiverse forests for optimal CO2 absorption
- utilizing the knowledge of local specialists
- connecting natural reserves
- taking advantage of favorable legislation
- our board lives on site and supervises the project 24/7
- involving and educating the local community
- reforestation with the help of specialists and volunteers
- selectively collect and grow seeds ourselves
- food forests for humans and animals.
Cooperation
Many partners are needed to realize a large nature reserve. In contact with the government, we attune our plans to the local wishes for nature conservation and reforestation.
Together with our network of specialists, we determine the most suitable reforestation method for each situation. We ensure that local residents understand the importance and can participate.
With a combination of specialists and volunteers, we plant trees and monitor the growth of the forest and the number of animals that are spotted.
Awareness and education
For a sustainable result of this major project, it is crucial to involve the local population.
Lilly Briggs is a specialist in the field of ecology and nature education, including for children. With her help, we increase the chance of local support. With educational workshops and projects we focus on raising awareness.
What does a child need for a happy healthy future? In addition to love and understanding, also clean water, clean air, healthy food and a safe, inspiring environment with a future perspective.
We aim to create a sense of pride in their own country and living environment.
Education is not the learning of facts, rather it’s the training of the mind to think – Albert Einstein
Our terrain as a showcase
Base camp NFF is a 'testing ground' for various reforestation methods.
A network of specialists evaluates the effectiveness.
Below we listed the different methods:
1. Pioneer species
In open areas, strong and fast-growing trees were first planted that themselves do not need shade to survive in the tropical sun. After a few years we plant the rare and slow growing trees.
2. Along the forest edges
In areas where 'support forest' was already present, we planted trees that can grow successfully with partial shade.
3. preparation of an "ecoduct"
We also use our forest as a 'decoy forest' to a safe crossing point for wild animals. We have planted trees for this that provide a lot of food. While these trees are growing, we are taking care of the permits for an ecoduct.
4. letting nature restore itself
We allow areas that are already bordered by existing forest to grow in a natural way. If necessary, we will also substitute these areas with rare species in the future. This is the least labour-intensive method.
5. support species
We support trees that need better soil quality and nutrition by planting varieties such as Mexican sunflower around them. Supplemented with home-made compost, fertilizer is unnecessary.
6. Erosion
Timeline
preparation
- First phase 2007-2019
The founders of NFF go to Costa Rica for the first time. Then 2 months of volunteer work every year; build up knowledge and specialist network.
- First project CR 2015
The first project started with lots of enthusiasm. It failed, but we learned a lot.
- Newfound courage, big plans 2018
The name is adapted from "Naturica" to "Nature for Future".
Realization
- Purchase of the first 83 hectares 2019
Construction plans for 3 houses and a professional workshop finalized.
- Start construction 2020
Construction of the first house is started and completed. The other buildings follow soon.
- Emigration / start reforestation 2021
Completion of construction / emigration/ Planting of the first 1800 trees!
Future
- Purchase of various plots 2022
Purchase areas around our homebase
- Build ecoduct 2023
Creating a safe crossing for wildlife
- Purchase land & Create Corridor 23-31
10 years of sensible reforestation and conservation
- Corridor is a fact! 2031
The jaguars and other wild animals cross safely!
- Protect and plant forests for the future 2031
Determine and realize a new corridor
3 Facilitating Factors
Our own nursery
We have our own tree nursery for tree species that are threatened with extinction. We exchange the seeds from our own forests with local organizations.
This way we can grow ± 10.000 new trees every year.
After 1-2 years, these seedlings are big enough to plant.
Polycultures
We participate in the transformation of monocultures (meadow and palm oil plantations) into polycultures.
In addition to a more stable income for farmers, the richer diversity provides more nature development in the plantations, making it more attractive for wildlife to pass through.
Taking advantage of legislation
In Costa Rica, cutting trees without a permit is prohibited. In addition, there are subsidies to encourage planting and protecting forests.
By law, a 15-metre strip of nature on both sides of rivers must remain intact. Where farmers do not have this strip, we help with creating those.
