22 JANUARY 2025
Each year, the team at Cerro Matoso purchases and plants between 80,000 and 100,000 of native trees, contributing to the establishment and maintenance of over 1,000 hectares of restored land surrounding the operation. This also helps to create a green buffer zone, providing a natural barrier between the nearby villages and the operation.
Cerro Matoso purchases all the trees used in restoration efforts from local nurseries which have been established in the gardens of 25 neighbouring communities. These nurseries cultivate over 60 different native species and are primarily owned and operated by women. We support the construction and set-up of the nurseries, providing seedlings, equipment and materials such as stakes and bags. Additionally, we have contracted a biologist, agronomist and forest engineer to provide ongoing support and training to the nursery operators.
Over 290 people from ethnic and non-ethnic communities neighbouring the operation participate by establishing and managing nurseries or through employment to plant trees and maintain and monitor restored areas.
The establishment of native species nurseries has supported our restoration activities while also creating small businesses and meaningful job opportunities, providing economic empowerment for participants and their families.
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