After i devastating fires who hit Mallín Ahogado, in the province of Río Negro in Argentina, a group of families and local organizations has started an ambitious project for regenerate lost ecosystems: the creation of a Nurse of autochthonous plants.
The goal is to produce about 40,000 specimens per yearcontributing to the reforestation of the native forest and the recovery of the lifestyle of the communities affected by the fire. The initiative, led by Fundación cultivo ecoológia and by the network of agroecological producers of El Bolsónis proposed not only as an environmental intervention, but also as an educational tool. The nursery will in fact be open to schools and will host environmental awareness activities, thus strengthening the link between young people and nature.
Among the plant species you intend to cultivate are all endemic plants of the Andean-Paagonal region. The collection of seeds, necessary for the production of new trees, is coordinated by experts and involves citizenship in days of collective collection.
Families who have lost vegetables and agricultural resources will receive support
Juan José Ochoa, coordinator of the project and professor of agroecology at the National University of Río Negro, has already gained experience in this type of interventions after the Fires of 2021 in Cuesta del Ternero. On that occasion, thanks to a network of volunteers and institutions, they were promoted educational workshops, reforestation activities and information campaignsnow considered a model for the new project by Mallín Ahogado.
But regeneration does not stop at the trees. Part of the initiative also focuses on reconstruction of food self -production systemsdeeply rooted in local culture. Families who have lost vegetable gardens and resources they will receive support To reconstruct their activities, through university extension programs.
The project has the support of the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF), an international organization that promotes environmental sustainability. Thanks to the support of entities such as Cifor-ICRAF, PNUMA and the World Bank, Mallín Ahogado aims to become the symbol of a strong and coordinated community response to the effects of climate change and forest fires.
