Planting trees, protecting crops: Betterwood in Colombia

In the north of Colombia, one hour from the city of Santa Marta, lies the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. The peaks are 5,700 meters high and the Caribbean coast is not far away. This makes them the highest mountains in the world near the sea. The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is a unique ecosystem, and not just because of its different climate zones. With around 1,865 species, Colombia ranks first in terms of bird biodiversity, for example.

In addition to the biodiversity of plants and animals worthy of protection, it has very specific environmental significance: Colombia’s high plateau is an important natural drinking water reservoir for dry periods. But only if it is wooded. Only then can the melt water from the glaciers be stored in the ground. Deforestation for agriculture, livestock farming and the extraction of raw materials repeatedly leads to threatening shortages of drinking water.

Betterwood supports the reforestation and conservation of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta with two initiatives: we planted 70 trees there ourselves two years ago. We have since donated more than 500 trees, seeds, fertilizer and shovels so that the local and indigenous population can continue this work. Together with the Koguis – an indigenous tribe with whom we work – we have selected tree species that also serve other purposes: In Higueron trees monkeys feel particularly at home and find food. The Flor Morado is very popular with birds.

The indigenous population in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is a guarantor of a careful and sustainable approach to nature: Environmental protection has always been very important in the Kogui culture. At the same time, the attractions of the modern world are also attractive to the children of the Kogui. The problem with this is that if one’s own culture fades into the background, environmental awareness also dwindles and the rainforest is destroyed in order to grow potatoes or yuca.

We therefore support a Kogui school with paper, writing materials and exercise books so that the children have better opportunities to learn from their own culture. Cooperation with the indigenous population requires trust and reliability. Our employee in Colombia often spends days with the Kogui, which is only possible with special permits. However, the high level of personal commitment guarantees that our help does not fizzle out and our projects work in the long term.

With the purchase of FSC®-certified decking boards, cutting boards and wooden tiles our customers make these projects in Colombia possible. Many thanks for that!