Bocas RainforestReforestation Initiative – BRRI

Forest restoration is defined as “actions to reinstate ecological processes, which accelerate recovery of forest structure, ecological functioning and biodiversity levels towards those typical of climax forest” i.e. the end-stage of natural forest succession: Wikipedia

Mission:  To bring together like-minded individuals and organizations who are interested in establishing forests on their property in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago and adjacent mainland with the intention to produce renewable resources, sequester carbon to mitigate the effects of global warming and/or to reestablish the original biodiversity of the region.

Vision:  To see a future where trees are established on regional lands no longer in use, a country where its original biodiversity is returned, and a world returned to its normal atmospheric levels of carbon.

Membership:  The Association would be open and free of charge to anyone with an interest in planting trees.  Our goal is to enjoy this activity and develop friendships while helping the planet.

Association Benefits:  Our members would be benefited primarily through the exchange of ideas, information and trees.  Depending on the goal of the project, our network can help with identifying what tree species to plant, where to find them and when they are fruiting.  This information would be available to all Association members along with information on horticultural techniques and methods.  In addition to online resources, a forest restoration library established at the Institute for Tropical Ecology and Conservation (ITEC) would be available to members of the association.

Platform for the Association:  The primary platform would be initially via Facebook and perhaps ultimately, a web site. 

Purposes for establishing forests.  There are several reasons for establishing forests depending on the intended goal:

1)    reestablish the original plant and animal biodiversity of the region.

2)    mitigate the effects of global warming by sequestering atmospheric carbon. 

3)    establish renewable lumber and tree product resources. 

4)    provide alternative income generating opportunities for residents.

5)    create greater food security through the establishment of food forests.

Local Environmental Education Program (LEEP).  An education program could be established at local schools in the region that addresses the concerns of climate change, how trees can counter it by taking carbon out of the atmosphere and storing it in their roots, trunk, limbs and leaves.  Additional topics could include how intact, functioning ecosystems can create a stable environment reducing the effects of catastrophes such as heavy rainfall, fire, landslides and human activity, and their potential for income through the extraction of forest products such as lumber, fruit, seeds, etc. 

Organizational Meeting.  The organizational meeting for this Association will take place soon (schedule info to be posted on the Bocas Rainforest Reforestation Initiative – BRRI Facebook page), at Dolphin Bay Hideaway.  The meeting will be hosted by Amy & Brian Wilcox of Dolphin Bay Hideaway and Peter Lahanas of the Institute for Tropical Ecology and Conservation (ITEC).