Restoring Sacred Mountain: Our Reforestation Journey
On the majestic slopes of Sacred Mountain in southern Ecuador, a remarkable transformation is taking place against a backdrop of environmental urgency. Each year, devastating fires sweep through this region, destroying thousands of hectares of vegetation—many set intentionally as part of traditional agricultural practices that continue despite their harmful impacts.
Local elders speak of what this mountain once was—a vibrant ecosystem where magnificent Andean condors nested and raised their young on the rocky outcrops. These endangered birds, with their impressive 10-foot wingspans, soared above forests that also sheltered bears and mountain lions. But as the land was cleared for pasture nearly a century ago, these majestic creatures disappeared from the area.
These fires not only destroy existing vegetation but make regeneration incredibly difficult, creating a cycle of degradation that has left our mountain vulnerable and depleted. The dramatic footage on our page shows just how quickly these fires can consume the landscape, underscoring why this restoration work is so critical.
What began as a visionary pilot project in 2021 has blossomed into an inspiring ecological restoration initiative that’s bringing new life to our mountain. In partnership with Árbol Co(n)razón, we’re not just planting trees—we’re rebuilding an ecosystem that was lost nearly a century ago when these lands were cleared for pasture, and we’re working to protect it from the ongoing threat of fires.
Together, we’ve already planted over 18,700 native trees across 5 hectares, with an impressive 80% survival rate despite challenging conditions. This reforestation effort represents the heart of Finca Sagrada’s commitment to healing our relationship with Mother Earth, while also educating local communities about sustainable alternatives to burning.
Before & After
By regenerating the mountain’s natural forest, we’re creating habitat for endangered species, protecting biodiversity, and contributing to climate resilience—all while providing meaningful employment for local community members and demonstrating a better way forward.
Whether you’re considering a visit to Finca Sagrada, exploring membership in our community, or simply want to support ecological restoration, this project offers many paths to participate in this transformative work. From hands-on planting days to financial contributions, every act of support helps restore this sacred land for generations to come.
The Sacred Partnership: Finca Sagrada & Árbol Co(n)razón
Our reforestation journey began when two visions aligned—Finca Sagrada’s dedication to sacred land stewardship and Árbol Co(n)razón’s expertise in ecological restoration. This partnership of equals has become the foundation of our success.
The mountain we’re restoring was declared sacred by the Kogi people during their visit to our land. These indigenous wisdom keepers recognized the special energy of this place—and the importance of restoring its natural harmony.
Our Specific Contributions
Finca Sagrada actively supports this vital work through multiple channels:
- Tree starts: We propagate native seedlings, carefully selecting species that will thrive in the mountain’s unique conditions
- Equipment sharing: From tools for digging swales to transportation for workers and seedlings
- Labor: Finca Sagrada regularly contributes labor for bringing materials up the mountain
- Technical knowledge: Our experience with land regeneration informs planning and implementation
- Funding: We provide ongoing financial support to ensure the project’s sustainability
Árbol Co(n)razón brings technical expertise through co-managers Kai Reinacher and Cristian Ojeda, implementing innovative techniques that go beyond simply planting trees. Together with local community members from Tumianuma, we’re creating the conditions for forest regeneration through rainwater harvesting, erosion control, and strategic planting of native pioneer species.
This isn’t merely an environmental project—it’s about people and relationships. The local team members who work daily on the mountain aren’t just employees; they’re partners in the vision, developing skills and livelihoods connected to ecological regeneration rather than extraction.
As our forest grows, so does this partnership—expanding to include educational institutions, conservation organizations, and people like you who share our passion for healing the land.
Community Impact: Growing More Than Trees
Our reforestation work extends far beyond ecological restoration—it’s creating profound ripples throughout the local community of Tumianuma and surrounding areas.
Sustainable Livelihoods
The project currently provides fair income for six young people from the local community, offering stable employment in an area where economic opportunities are limited. Unlike extractive industries that temporarily employ people while depleting resources, this work builds value over time as the forest grows and thrives.
This crew isn’t just planting trees—they’re developing valuable skills in ecological restoration, sustainable land management, and conservation. The knowledge gained through this work empowers them to become environmental leaders in their own communities.
Changing Practices and Perspectives
For generations, the practice of burning land after harvest has been standard in this region, leading to soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and increased vulnerability to climate change. Through demonstration and direct engagement, we’re showing local farmers that there are alternatives that benefit both the land and their livelihoods.
As the mountain transforms from barren slopes to flourishing forest, it becomes a living classroom—demonstrating what’s possible when we work with nature rather than against it. Local residents who once viewed the mountain as merely potential pastureland now see it as a valuable ecosystem worth protecting.
Strengthening Cultural Connections
This project honors the indigenous wisdom that recognized this mountain as sacred, helping to restore not only ecological relationships but cultural ones as well. By incorporating traditional knowledge alongside scientific approaches, we’re fostering deeper connections between people and place.
Creating a Resilient Future
As climate change brings increasing challenges to agricultural communities worldwide, this work builds resilience from the ground up. The restored forest helps secure water resources, moderate local climate conditions, and provide sustainable harvest opportunities for future generations.
The relationships formed through this collaborative work strengthen community bonds and create networks of mutual support that extend well beyond the boundaries of the reforestation project. We’re planting the seeds of a movement that connects ecological healing with community wellbeing.
By participating in this project—whether as a visitor, member, or supporter—you become part of this growing community impact, helping to create a future where people and nature thrive together.
Expanding the Vision: Future Growth and New Alliances
Strategic New Partnerships
After the tremendous success of our initial pilot project, Árbol Co(n)razón is taking bold steps to expand the impact and reach of the Sacred Mountain reforestation initiative. Their vision extends beyond simply planting trees to creating a comprehensive model for ecological restoration and community development.
Árbol Co(n)razón has recently formed powerful alliances with regional institutions to strengthen and broaden their approach:
- The Green Jewel Foundation of Loja: This local conservation organization brings additional expertise in biodiversity protection and community engagement, helping to spread reforestation knowledge throughout the region.
- EcossLab at Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL): This academic partnership connects the project with scientific resources, research capabilities, and student involvement, creating opportunities for in-depth ecological monitoring and analysis.
These collaborations allow for distributing responsibilities across more shoulders while bringing specialized knowledge to the project.
A Comprehensive Approach for the Future
With these new partnerships in place, Árbol Co(n)razón is developing several integrated initiatives:
- Environmental Education Program: Creating structured learning opportunities for local schools, visitors, and community members to understand forest ecology and sustainable practices
- Biodiversity Monitoring System: Establishing scientific protocols to track the return of native species and measure the health of the emerging ecosystem
- Ecological Research Projects: Supporting university students and researchers in studying restoration methods and documenting outcomes
- Innovative Restoration Methods: Continuing to refine and develop techniques specifically suited to the unique conditions of the tropical mountain environment
At the heart of all these developments remains the core mission: transforming Sacred Mountain into a thriving nature reserve that benefits biodiversity, climate, and community wellbeing.
By supporting this work through Finca Sagrada, you’re contributing to this expanding vision and helping to create a model that can inspire similar efforts throughout Ecuador and beyond.
Join the Sacred Mountain Restoration: Your Invitation
The journey of reforesting Sacred Mountain has only just begun. With nearly 19,000 trees planted and 5 hectares restored, we’ve made remarkable progress—but there’s still much of the mountain waiting to be transformed from barren slopes to thriving forest.
How You Can Participate
Whether you’re near or far, there are meaningful ways to contribute to this vital work:
- Visit Finca Sagrada: Experience the reforestation project firsthand during your stay, with opportunities to participate in planting days and ecological activities
- Become a Community Member: Join us in creating a life centered around land stewardship and ecological restoration
- Volunteer Your Time: If you have skills to offer, from forestry knowledge to documentation, reach out about longer-term opportunities
- Spread the Word: Share the story of Sacred Mountain with others who might be inspired to support ecological restoration
- Make a Financial Contribution: Support Árbol Co(n)razón’s ongoing work through direct donations
Learn More and Connect
To discover more about the technical aspects of this reforestation project, view detailed reports, or make a direct contribution to their work, visit Árbol Co(n)razón’s website at www.arbol-conrazon.ch
What makes this project special is that 100% of donations go directly to on-the-ground work—Árbol Co(n)razón operates entirely through volunteer management, ensuring that your support translates directly into trees planted, habitat restored, and community members employed.
Every seed planted, every tree nurtured, and every hectare restored represents a step toward healing our relationship with the land. We invite you to become part of this growing story of renewal.
The local community is the key to restoring and protecting our mountain forests. Without them we can achieve nothing, with them we can achieve everything.
-Cristian Ojeda, Project Co-Manager