Huffington Post 2/25/2016 Reforestation: The Attainable Sustainable

Don Sebastian was on a roll, trying to explain to the large group gathered at his tree nursery business the depth of his transformation: “We always thought trees were a problem, only to be cut for corn crops and firewood—but now look!” He waved his arms proudly at the large tree nursery behind him containing almost 35,000 fast-growing native alder seedlings, as well as pine seedlings, avocado and peach tree “whips,” and even a section for the delicate and endangered pinabete tree.

The reasons for this transformation were not workshops about reforestation, nor farmer manuals, nor “experts” from other countries paying farmers to plant trees. Rather, the change to a tree-planting culture occurred over a five-year relationship between Don Sebastian’s family and the Guatemalan technicians from the Alliance for International Reforestation, Inc. (AIR) or as it is known in Guatemala, “AIRES”.

AIRES uses a five-year model, recognizing that it takes time to see the benefits of specific trees. The microbusinesses then succeed because neighbors have had time to observe the positive impact of growing trees that prevent mudslides and replenish soil.