CanopyCo is working in areas where there is a locally recognized need for reforestation, principally for the protection of diminishing local water sources or the recuperation of native forests.

The trees we plant are not exotic timber woods that could potentially be felled in ten years, but native tree species found in the area that have as a primary function the provision of habitat for bird life and animals. We will also provide fruit trees for the farming families that participate, in order to improve their food security.

We have a dedicated team that will continually monitor the success of reforested areas, and as a responsible organization, we will plant 25% more trees on our own account to cover any natural losses that may occur. By revisiting the sites, we assess the progress of the trees and should there be excessive losses, for any reason, we will replant. This way, the native trees will survive and offset carbon dioxide as required.

However the principal measure to ensure the welfare of the native trees is the careful identification of reforestation areas; we work only with families, communities and local governments that demonstrate a real interest in the preservation and recuperation of their native forests.





Continual data collection from the sites provides increased understanding of forest development and will allow the incorporation of refined techniques such as:

1. Using carefully selected food sources to attract birds and animals to aid seed dispersion of hard to reproduce forest species (photo right: a new sapling of Fucuna found growing from the base of a Guatze tree suggesting the dispersal of its seed by either forest dwelling mammals or birds.)

2. Combining shrubs with slow growing tree species to provide warm microclimates to help protect them from frosts at higher elevations.

3. Observation of tree reproduction methods to improve tree nursery productivity (photo below: Tree nursery reproduction of the Guatze tree is one of our challenges for 2008.)






In some of the areas we are reforesting, the community recognizes that deforestation leads to water sources drying up. Therefore, our reforestation efforts will have a threefold benefit for the local community and ecosystem;



As they grow, the trees will absorb carbon dioxide emissions and help the atmosphere
Water catchment will increase through greater fog interception and shade protection
As the forests establish, the food chain will extend, and the diversity of flora and fauna will increase


Planting native trees
We only plant native species as these are adapted to the local ecosystem, unlike non native pine or eucalyptus trees. Native species are non-damaging and will actually help the ecosystem by stimulating biodiversity, helping the reintroduction of other species of flora and fauna. Whereas pine and eucalyptus trees damage local ecosystems with their excessive demands on the water table that lead to reduced plant diversity and possibly desertification.