The importance of forest conservation and restoration in El Salvador
One of the most significant challenges in environmental education is, beyond teaching concepts and definitions, conveying scientific knowledge for people to understand the ecosystem in which they live.
Among the goals of the Suma Un Bosque project is to find solutions to the environmental problems faced by the Lomas del Tecana community in El Salvador. Usually, these are the result of misinformation and lack of interest on the part of key actors to guarantee that people acknowledge their right to a healthy environment.
For this reason, on 1 October 2022, with the organization Un Pulmón Más, we held our first workshop for the Lomas del Tecana Intersectoral Committee: “Let’s talk about the importance of forest conservation and restoration.” During the activity, we exchanged knowledge and experiences:
Gabriela Gavarrete explaining the importance of the forest and the role of flora and fauna in the ecosystem. Discussing environmental challenges in their community Jazmín Oliva and Nestor Díaz talking about sustainability Proposing initiatives to protect the environment. 
Lomas del Tecana Intersectoral Committee.
After addressing the central theme, in working groups, we discussed what we can contribute or do better, and what they can do to make it possible, based on questions that helped us learn what the members think about our project in their community. These were their answers:
What are the current environmental issues in the community?
- Forest fires
- Solid waste pollution
- Landslides and mudslides
- Unmanaged crops
- Harassment of wildlife
- Soil erosion
- Temperature increase
Why is it important to plant trees in Cerro Tecana?
- They provide oxygen and water
- Generate a pleasant climate
- Improve the soil
- Prevent landslides and mudslides
- Provide a home for wildlife
- Provide resources and food
How can the community support the Suma Un Bosque project?
Learning how to protect and restore their home, teaching others about the importance of the forest, and attending tree planting activities with enthusiasm–It’s a win-win for everyone.
How can Un Pulmón Más contribute to the rescue of Cerro Tecana?
- Improving communication with the community and working hand in hand.
- Providing accompaniment and advice for farmers and people who want to join the initiative.
- Giving continuity to the project.
- Providing materials and human resources to support reforestation activities.
In short, getting to know the community is the first step in carrying out environmental projects; they interact with their environment daily and can be agents of change with every action they take to care for the forest. Sharing our organization’s knowledge is essential for our work to prosper in this wonderful forest. Without education, there is no future.
Learn about nature-based solutions on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) website.
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