Date established: 2000

Partner: Arboles y Agua para El Pueblo

Number of trees produced (through 2010): 428,023

Program history: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations estimates that only 7% of El Salvador’s primary forest cover remains. Environmental deterioration caused by erosion and overexploitation of natural resources, such as firewood, to meet the needs of more than 7 million people in El Salvador has resulted in a grave ecological situation.

From 2000-2008, Trees, Water & People (TWP) and local NGO partner Arboles y Agua para el Pueblo (AAP) maintained a tree nursery and implemented reforestation, environmental education, and fuel-efficient stove projects in northern El Salvador. In 2008, we transferred our nursery to El Porvenir, Santa Ana a central location more accessible to communities and institutions.

Every year, AAP produces over 28 hard wood and fruit varieties in the nursery. Some of the many species include (common names in El Salvador): Madre Cacao, Maquilishuat, Chaquiro, Leucaena, Flor Amarilla, Memble, Eucalyptus, Caoba, mangos, citrus, coffee, cacao, cashew, and other rare tropical fruits. These trees serve to reforest previously cleared areas, are used for agroforestry, provide households with nutrition, lumber, firewood, shade, and beautify the land.

In 2001, TWP developed the 100% Replanted program, enabling individuals and companies to offset their paper use by donating to such community–based reforestation activities, which produce 40,000 seedlings annually. TWP and AAP would like to give special recognition to Books of Discovery for being the lead sponsor of our tree nursery in El Salvador between 2003-2009. Books of Discovery has offset over 9 million pounds of paper and planted 45,000 trees! Through this generous sponsorship and community collaboration, 180 acres of land has been reforested, enriching the lives of many Salvadoran families and communities.