Reforestation and its role in sustainable development of one community of Luz de América, Ecuador, with eight subtropical plant species implemented

Abstract

The objective of our social project was to improve agroforestry production systems through the reforestation of multipurpose plant species and to counteract the effects of climate change. Over the course of 24 months (in 2016–2018), 14,125 trees were planted, reforesting 50 farms in the Luz de América rural parish, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas province, Ecuador. The project became an activity integrated into rural communities where 25 community leaders were trained on establishing techniques, planting density, and forest management of several species, such as black and white guayacans, cedar, Honduran mahogany, dyer’s mulberry, Brazilian fern tree, laurel, and Colombian timber bamboo. The leaders were regarded as multipliers of the knowledge acquired on the farms and actively collaborated with the University of the Armed Forces (ESPE). A group of teachers of social engagement, 58 agricultural and livestock engineering students from ESPE, and 151 community beneficiaries carried out data collection and cultural work. At the end of the project, the survival rate of plants was 82.01%, and the total investment was USD 18 thousand. Among the project’s indirect benefits, we can mention an increase in water sources in the area, the control of erosion in degraded areas and steep slopes on farms, mitigation of climate change, and improvement of the economic conditions of the residents.