Seed Saving and Reforestation in Mexico
TREES AND SUPPORTING PLANTS
ACRES
FARMERS
TOTAL COMMUNITY MEMBERS IMPACTED
HOST ORGANIZATION
Ka' Kuxtal Much Meyaj
LOCATION
Campeche, Mexico
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Across Mexico there are prevalent issues of deforestation of the jungle due to industrial agriculture through uncontrolled burning of the forest to use land for monoculture agriculture. This impacts not only the forest density and trees but the animal life that relies on this ecosystem. These animals are forced to leave the jungle and consume fruits and vegetables that are grown on community milpas.
Unlike many unsuccessful government planting plans, Ka' Kuxtal aims to work in harmony with the environment and contribute to the ecological balance by planting seedlings of 14 varieties of regional trees and plants. The plant species will not only revive the forest systems but will provide food and shelter to various animal species.
The Project Aims To:
- Hold community assemblies in the region where Ka' Kuxtal is organized to invite the reforestation of damaged spaces.
- Bring together 15 communities that work alongside Ka Kuxtal Much Meyaj to discuss the loss of the forest in their communities.
- Reproduce 25,000 local plants with at least 10 varieties.
- Reforest 250 hectares of burned and deforested mountains.
- Designate planting spaces in conjunction with the Ejidos and colleagues from various communities in the region as well as schools and other peasant organizations.
One of the main goals of the project is to learn about and preserve local and indigenous plants. Ka’ Kuxtal is working with local organized groups on seed saving initiatives. They will collect local seeds, sow the seeds for future germination in pre-existing community nurseries and care for the plants until they can be planted in the regions most affected by deforestation, fires and monoculture farms.
The project will be implemented by community organizations across the Hopelchen region. Ka’ Kuxtal will use community assemblies as times to discuss the importance of recovering the communities lost forests and make decisions such as designating planting spaces.
Ka Kuxtal Much Meyaj is an indigenous organization of Mayan origin that arose as a result of the poor quality and lack of basic services provided by the state to the Mayan communities of the Chenes region in the State of Campeche, Mexico.
The main objectives of the organization are to care and preserve different varieties of native corn, to create comprehensive health systems, and to support community economy and agroecological production. Ka Kuxtal is also dedicated to the dissemination of the collective rights of indigenous communities and the defense of the territory in the search for community autonomy, organizing and working together with at least 15 indigenous communities in the municipality of Hopelchen, Campeche.
