In a significant move towards environmental conservation, Venezuela has set the goal of planting 11 million trees before the end of 2026. This ambitious project, led by the Ministry of Popular Power for Ecosocialism, aims to restore degraded areas and protect the country’s soils.
The National Reforestation Company (Conare) will play a fundamental role in this effort, emphasizing the importance of community participation to ensure long-term success.
A crucial aspect of this initiative is not only to plant but also to ensure that these seedlings grow into mature trees. Between 2001 and 2024, Venezuela lost 2.6 million hectares of forest cover, contributing to the emission of 1.1 gigatons of CO2. Therefore, reforestation is vital, but equally essential is the protection of existing forests.
The reforestation plan is part of the “Plant for Life” program of the Great Mother Earth Mission. Conare, celebrating its 50th anniversary, leads the effort by collecting more than 11 million seeds from 200 different species. This diversity is key to ensuring that the species planted are suitable for each ecosystem.
Ecological Restoration
The project includes a family agroforestry approach, integrating native species like cedar and mahogany with fruit trees such as cocoa, coffee, and soursop. This approach encourages the care and protection of plantations by providing food and economic benefits to local communities.
Additionally, the plan includes the production of 250,000 cocoa plants and the promotion of bamboo for soil stabilization. This reflects a holistic approach, where environmental restoration also seeks to offer useful resources for local communities.
The recovery of watersheds and soil conservation are central priorities. The loss of vegetation cover can accelerate erosion and affect agriculture, rivers, and water supply, especially during droughts.
Venezuela, which heavily relies on hydroelectricity, understands that preserving watersheds is crucial to maintaining the stability of its basic services.
Concrete examples, such as the work at the Cacique Tiuna nursery and the restoration of 23 hectares in Hugo Chávez Park, exemplify how reforestation can have a tangible and lasting impact when accompanied by continuous monitoring and care.
A key challenge will be maintaining effective monitoring of plant survival. Experience indicates that seedling mortality can be high without proper management. Therefore, the project’s success will depend on how much emphasis is placed on post-plantation maintenance.
The Ministry also plans to establish nurseries in each commune to facilitate the replenishment of seedlings. The potential impact of achieving this goal would be reflected in improved water and ecological stability, benefiting local communities.
For more details, the full report is available on the Ministry of Popular Power for Ecosocialism website.
