What is a cloud forest?

Also known as the bosque mesófilo de montaña, the cloud forest constitutes one of the most beautiful natural settings in Mexico. This is a magical place, made up of evergreens, covered with brilliantly colored orchids, bromeliads, mosses and lichens. Here too, you will find dozens of beautiful and surprisingly large trees wrapped in the nearly constant mist, which evokes fascination and respect. The the expression cloud forest is not a scientific term, it is gerenerally used to describe a habitat or bioregion in ehich clouds and mist in the air determine the type of vegetation and conditions for growth. The Mexican cloud forest in Veracruz is often covered by mist, which in addition to rainfall, contributes to the hydrological cycle and influences climate and biodiversity.

Cloud Forest in Danger

While this eco-system possesses the greatest biodiversity of any found in Mexico, it is also one of the most threatened eco-systems in the world. We are in a distinct transition zone - where species from the northern and southern hemispheres live together harmoniously.

In México, the cloud forest has been reduced in large measure due to coffee cultivation, cattle grazing and increases in human population. Cloud forest deforestation has led to soil erosion, flooding, reduction in water flow, and plant and animal extinctions, which upset the ecological equilibrium of the ecosystem. This causes irreversible loss of natural, genetic resources. Increases in rural poverty are also a by-product of deforestation.

Why is it important to save cloud forests?

When cloud forests are cut down for cattle farming, the result is soil compaction. When the soil is compacted water infiltration is reduced and surface runoff increases. Erosion begins as well in upper watersheds. Flood danger increases for lower watersheds, putting communities at high risk. It is critical to protect cloud forests from becoming cultivated land. These fragile ecosystems are critical to the water cycle in the watershed and beyond. The cloud forest eco-system is the most "skilled" system in terms of its ability to "milk the clouds" for their precious liquid. Other environmental services that are provided by the cloud forest include: the creation of a carbon sink, the essential preservation of biodiversity and unparalleled beauty.

Our Two Approaches: Land protection through Conservation Land Trusts and Reforestation

Adopt an Acre: Protecting Land for the Future

Keeping land in its natural state is the top priority. Here is what has been accomplished thus far.

In 1998, together with PRONATURA A.C., Las Cañadas created the first conservation land trust in Mexico. A land trust is a legal structure to promote land conservation. Through the land trust, the owners of Las Cañadas voluntarily agreed to limit the development of their land. They have officially set aside the majority of their land to assure its restoration and guarantee that it remains cloud forest into the indefinite future. A Land Trust is a short or long term commitment (or, as in our case, in perpetuity) to protect the land from development or to manage the land following specific guidelines. Land trusts allow you to make your own zoning decisions. Once the zones have been defined, a legal document is prepared, notarized and listed with the Public Property Registry. Your land is then legally dedicated to the use you determined for the period of time you have specified. New owners or those who inherit the land must respect the protection afforded by the land trust. We are working with our neighbors to expand the area under legal conservation protection which models sustainable land management practices.

In 2004, 100 additional hectares were bought which are now included in a land trust.

If you would like to learn more about land trusts, please consult the following websites: http://www.miraclegroup.com/~pronatur/herramientas.htm http://www.cedarena.org/landtrust/esp/hacemos.html http://www.resnatur.org.co/

Click here to learn how to help us purchase more land to protect this vital natural resource.

Reforestation

We are making an on going commitment to restoring cleared areas that were formerly used as pastures or for other agricultural purposes. Native trees are planted in these areas. At the end of 2005 we initiated a native agro-foresty tree nursery with the generous support of SEMARNAT and Reforestamos México A.C. This nursery will allow us to produce approximately 14,000 trees annually.

Progess to date:

2008

• 1,000 trees planted
• Project to protect native ferns

2007

• 5,000 trees planted
• Woodlots planted for 30 families in the watershed

2006

• 5,000 trees planted
• Direct collection of seeds for 14 native cloud forest tree species to plant in the nursery. These trees will be planted in our on-going reforestation project.

2005

• 14,000 saplings of 14 native species planted as part of a project to restore 120 hectares. Little by little pastures return to cloud forest habitat.
• 5 native tree species to reforest the pastures used by the dairy cattle at Las Cañadas. This system is known as forest grazing. Trees are planted in the pastures used by the dairy cows. The trees help to improve and maintain the soil fertility which, in turn, improves the nutritive value of the grass and ultimately improves milk production. Trees are being integrated into 30 hectares of pasture.