HELP INDIGENOUS WOMEN CONSERVE THE ENVIRONMENT

Our goal is to restore the forests that preserve rivers and springs in the mountains of the indigenous territory of Boruca, Costa Rica through the planting of native trees, regenerative agriculture and cultural tourism. We work together with 25 benefited indigenous women and their families and more than 100 annual volunteers who visit the community. The project requires continuous funds for the trees and their maintenance, training, salaries, among others, so that the community continues to restore.

Ecosystems are increasingly degraded, mainly due to human activities. However, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization, ecosystems continue to generate about $125billion a year in services and raw materials. Indigenous communities benefit very little from the natural wealth that surrounds them and, although 80% of global biodiversity is protected by indigenous communities, who benefit little from its management, have very low development rates and indigenous women specifically are the most affected by climate change.

Our project is a nature-based solution within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals and the United Nations Decade for Restoration. We generate a direct economic benefit to the community through tourism, increasing capacities and tree plantations. We preserve ancient cultures and by restoring the forest, our ecosystems will naturally provide benefits to local and global communities, including but not limited to: more available fresh water, air purification, and carbon sequestration.

Our project generates employment alternatives for indigenous women and their families in two direct ways, tourism and agriculture. By diversifying income, we improve livelihoods alternatives, hence, people's quality of life. By restoring our forest, improving ecosystem services and adapting to climate change effects while reinforcing their Brunjacj culture preservation. Also, our forest's health will advance, along with our biological biodiversity and the water of our rivers and springs.