Inside each seed is a dream of the entire forest

 

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 SeedsDream Reforestation Project

Ecuadorian Amazon 

2008 Projects

Seed Distribution Center Construction

We have recently purchased an 8 hectare parcel of land located along the main road, right at the trailhead where we hike in to collect seeds.   This is the perfect location for a  seed distribution center, as well as a site for the nursery, demonstration plantings, technical workshops, seed voucher collections, reforestation experiments and long-term project housing.   We are just now finishing the main construction, but there is still much work to do!  Volunteers are now able to work and live at the seed center while they organize for seed collection trips into the jungle.   All seeds we collect are brought to this center and either stored for distribution as seeds or propagated as seedlings in the nursery.  
  
 

 

Food biodiversity

 Many forest species traditionally used as food sources have been lost due to changes in forest composition and the history of cultural extinctions since the arrival of European colonists.   We are finding and replanting  some of these species, many of which are important for wildlife as well as people.   For example,  a fruit known locally as 'shawi'  (Myrtaceae) has an extemely limited distribution in its cultivated form and the origin of its domestication is unknown.   Fruit trees provide nutrition for families as well as potential new sources of income.   Many forest species have market potential, and cultivation  helps prevent overharvest in the wild.
  
 

 

Collection Trips

Finding the right seeds can be half the work!  The jungle can easily have 200+ tree species in a hectare, and they all come into fruit at different times.  In 2008 we continue working with indigenous communities to extend our network of  native seed sources, focusing especially on difficult to find species.  The work involves a lot of traveling by foot, mule, bus and river to reach the most rare species, as well as the work of transporting large quantities of seeds out of the forest.  
  
    

 

Monthly Seed Exchanges

 In 2006 and 2007 we held monthly seed exchanges to distribute hundreds of seeds from native forest species.  These  are then planted both in the refuge forests and on private lands.  
  

 

 

Native Tree Nursery

 This year we are developing the tree nursery at the Seed Center.   Seeds collected in the forest are either given away as seeds or propagated in the nursery for distribution as seedlings.   In 2008  will also begin  small-scale commercial sales of native trees to supplement our volunteer-based work in the communities. 
  
    


Refuge Forests

This year we will continue our  ourtreach work to support the establishment of refuge forests in the indigenous communities where we are planting trees.  The refuge forests are 5 - 50 acre groves that serve as seed sources, biodiversity reservoirs, and village cultural and environmental education resources.   These forests are planted with species that were once found in the area but have since disappeared due to regional deforestation and loss of seed dispersers. 
  


Reforestation Techniques

We are working with local people and university students to document the species diversity once present in the deforested communities.  This work involves species inventories, voucher collection and  interviews with local people about the history of the land.  Of special interest are large-seeded species which often have difficulty with successful dispersal, even in intact forest.    We are investigating techniques of direct seeding of these dispersal limited species into forests in various stages of succession.   We are also experimenting with a local poisonous plant ('barbasco' -- Lonchocarpus nicou) traditionally used in fishing to pre-treat seeds and prevent them from being eaten by rodents and insects. 



 

Preserving Traditional Knowledge

Recording traditional songs and stories of indigenous elders is an ongoing part of our work.   This is an ideal project for an independently-oriented volunteer; your work will be deeply appreciated by the local people.   We are also gathering information on plants of medicinal and cultural importance for eventual publication.




Seed Jewelry


Some of the families in the area make beautiful seed jewelry from local seeds.  Every piece is unique and reflects both the seeds in season and the individual craftmanship of the artist.  If you are interested in purchasing these products please contact us!


  

Helicopter logging photo by Louise Géhin

Community Activism

Often local communities facing serious threats by outside companies do not have the resources to organize and publicize their situation before a great deal of damage has been done.  

In the summer of 2006 an international timber company - in collaboration with the Ecuadorian military - began illegally helicopter logging of old-growth mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) in indigenous territories.  We collected seeds from trees marked for cutting and these young mahogany trees are now being replanted in place of the trees cuts, as well as in neighboring communities.   Due to the publicity of this case, the legality of the current mahogany logging was challenged by a national ecological activism group, who keep working to prevent the illegal extraction of this valuable timber species.  In the meantime the company has left the area and many trees have been saved.    




Protected Land Search

This year  we continue our search for a large piece of jungle to purchase as a permanent seed source for the project.   Forested land in this area becomes more precious every day as the primary forest continues to be cut down and new road and bridges are built each year.  Land prices average around $500 - $2000  ha, dependig on location and size of the parcel.  Land purchased inside of indigenous territory is cheaper, but can only be 'leased' from the community.  Outside of indigenous territory land may be purchased with full title and place in permanent protection.    Please contact us directly if you are interested in helping with the creation of this seed biodiversity preserve.