Selva el Ocote Biosphere Reserve, Mexico, May 2025
Thanks to your support, the restoration project for the dry tropical forest in the Selva el Ocote Biosphere Reserve in Mexico progressed well in 2024. Led by CONANP REBISO – FONCET with support from A Tree for You, the initiative aims to restore this valuable ecosystem by planting native tree species and implementing a sustainable silvopastoral system. A silvopastoral system is an agroforestry practice that combines livestock grazing with the presence of trees or forests on the same land. It promotes biodiversity, improves soil fertility, and enhances resilience to climate change.
The project has several key goals: regenerating biodiversity by replanting native trees to restore forest cover; tackling climate change through carbon sequestration via reforestation; protecting soil and water resources by reducing deforestation; and actively engaging local communities by raising awareness and opening up opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
In 2024, several important actions were carried out. Monitoring and protecting restored areas remained a priority, with regular patrols by beneficiaries and reserve staff to prevent fires and livestock incursions, and counter other threats. Firebreaks were installed across five kilometres in each community to help reduce fire risks.
The results of close monitoring of the trees planted since 2022 are encouraging: on average, 69% of forest and 64% of forage trees have survived, marking an improvement over 2023. To offset tree loss, 69,000 new seedlings (29,000 forest and 40,000 forage species) were provided by a local nursery and delivered to the participating communities. Beneficiaries actively took part in planting them, proof of their continued commitment to the project goals.
Water management has also improved significantly, with rainwater harvesting and storage systems installed in all five participating communities. This helps ensure better water availability for livestock, while reducing pressure on natural sources.
After three years of sustained effort, more than 314,000 trees have been planted – over double the initial goal of 156,500. This representsis a huge step forward in restoring the dry tropical forest and promoting sustainable development in local communities.
Looking ahead to 2025, the project will continue with key actions, namely: ongoing monitoring of planted areas and additional tree planting to maintain optimal survival rates; continued protection of restored zones – especially against fire – and reinforcing community capacity through training in sustainable natural resource management.
A heartfelt thank you for your generosity and commitment. Each tree planted is a step toward a greener, more resilient future. Your continued support is essential for protecting biodiversity and improving the well-being of local communities.
