Tena, Ecuador, May 2022
In the canton of Tena, in the Ecuadorian Amazon, the trees planted between March and August 2021 in the three Kichwa communities of Sindy, San Carlos, and Santo Urku are continuing to grow in very good conditions! The plantation includes 15 wood tree species (most of which are endangered), as well as 16 fruit tree species adapted both to the area and needs of the local populations.
A total of 10,000 trees were planted, with a final target of 8,000 trees to remain perennial for several years.
Forestry engineers from the local NGO Ishpingo have continued making follow-up visits to each of the plots to ensure the trees are growing well for the 48 project beneficiaries. They checkthe plots are well maintained (weeds can smother young trees), that there isn’t too much shade, and whether any associated crops are hindering tree growth. The soil and young trees are also closely monitored for signs of possible deficiencies or diseases.
During these visits the the mortality rate of the seedlings has been measured and proves extremely low. All in all, 90% of the plots have a survival rate of over 80% and the average survival rate for the whole of the plots is 84%. This has so far exceeded the target set for the project – encouraging news for the local teams and beneficiaries!
Monitoring of the plantations by the local technical teams also provides an opportunity to train the farmers in agroforestry, especially tree pruning and the production and use of organic fertiliser. These visits/training sessions will continue over the following semesters. In the coming year, plans include applying organic fertiliser to the planted plots. This should consolidate the excellent survival rate (minimum 80%) and good tree growth.
Feedback from Michi (Mercedes), one of the project beneficiaries, from the Sindy community:
“My name is Mercedes and I am 45. I am a farmer in the Sindy community. I grow crops on my farm with my husband, my two daughters and sons-in-law. We decided to join this agroforestry project to help us grow more trees on our farm. We planted wood trees to mark the boundaries of our land and some fruit trees everywhere, but especially close to our homes or in orchards. We will soon have lots of different fruit like lemons, oranges, ishpingo, and ramboutans. We look forward to reaping the benefits of our work, to feeding the family as well as selling. Thank you.”
More news from the field coming soon!
