Reforestation – Work for the Whole Community!

In this age of climate change, we are all concerned about the environment. It’s so easy to become apathetic and fall into despair when the quality of our air and water declines and centuries-old trees are mowed down for new hotels, developments and gated communities.

We were encouraged by the municipality’s project of giving away free trees. It did, however, raise some questions. Will these trees be planted in appropriate places for them to flourish? How are they going to be maintained so that enough of them survive to have a positive effect on our environment? Are they species endemic to this area? And can they possibly make up for the thousands of trees that have been destroyed for construction?

A few days ago, we had the pleasure of meeting with Francisco Peyret, Director of the Departamento de Medio Ambiente y Sustentabilidad, and Veronica Landini, a member of his team. We wanted to hear their responses to these concerns and what their plans were to address environmental issues in San Miguel de Allende.

Francisco and Veronica answered our last question first. They assured me that there was a moratorium on new developments that will not be lifted until the Plan de Ordenamiento, which will clarify environmental restrictions and requirements on all new construction, was finalized. While we can’t get back what we have lost, at least we can hope that we will not lose more.

They also explained that yes, most of the species they are growing are endemic to this region such as encino, mesquite and huizache, along with fruit trees, pirul and jacaranda, which are well-adapted to this climate. The DMAYS has expanded their greenhouses in Parque Landeta so they can produce enough seedlings to continue the process of reforestation indefinitely.

The conversation then moved on to the give-away. Only a portion of the trees are going to private individuals. Courses are being offered at places like CEDECOM so citizens can understand how to care for and ensure the survival of their trees.

The over-all plan, however, is much more ambitious. The majority of trees, many tens of thousands, will be part of a program of reforestation and watershed renewal.

The area around San Miguel was once covered in forests. Since colonial times, we have been steadily cutting down that forest and overgrazing the land, leaving damaged or non-existent soil that does not absorb rainfall, produce healthy crops or provide adequate grazing lands for livestock. Our rivers have been dammed and damaged by the removal of gravel and sand for construction. We are at increasing risk of flooding.

In October, Francisco became aware of a pilot project begun by residents and NGO´s in the community of Doña Juana that involves rebuilding the river bed, restoring the soil, and planting 21,000 trees in an area of 42 hectares, forming a voluntary protected area. Along with the Dirección de Medio Ambiente, he decided to support their work as a pilot project. The municipality provides resources, materials and equipment. The residents of Doña Juana, which is home to approximately 500 people, provide the labor. Already, they are seeing the benefits of their hard work and have agreed to maintain the area and limit access to livestock to prevent further damage. Six more communities are scheduled to begin similar projects soon. They will multiply throughout the area.

Aside for the improvements to life in the rural areas, reforestation and watershed restoration will increase rain absorption, preventing flooding and damage to the top soil, and greatly improve air quality for all of us.

We at the Observatorio Ciudadano, are very excited to see grass-roots, well-planned projects like this that will benefit all Sanmiguelenses. If you would like to participate in the project or would like to adopt a tree, please contact the DMAYS through Facebook #direccióndemedioambienteysustentabilidad.