Restoring Balance in the Heart of the Planet, Colombia
Project Spotlight: Carbon Offset and Regeneration in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Welcome to the Gaia Carbon Centre's project in the heart of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, where we're actively transforming a once-deforested landscape into a thriving carbon sink and biodiversity hotspot. Situated near the village and the Rio Ancho river, this 13-hectare piece of land has a unique story of resilience and renewal.
History and Evolution: From Deforestation to Regeneration
Originally covered in lush woodlands, the land fell victim to deforestation, making way for illicit cannabis and coca cultivation. The use of chemicals like glyphosate further impacted the ecosystem. Eventually, the land was transformed into a cattle grazing farm, covered in grasses. However, since 2016, Russell Manning and Sandrine Girardeau took over the property, initiating a remarkable transformation.
A Beacon of Sustainability: The Voluntary Project
Manning and Girardeau turned the land into a volunteer project, offering a space for learning about sustainable living. Hundreds of trees were planted during this period, kickstarting the reforestation process. With experienced local workers from the Kogui village just a short walk away, the project was poised for success.
Restoring Ecosystems: Biodiversity and Water Catchment
The land's transformation is vital not only for carbon offset but also for boosting biodiversity. By allowing portions of the land to remain wild, we're fostering a habitat for a diverse range of species. With two streams and a spring flowing through the property, the project plays a crucial role in maintaining water quality and availability downstream, benefiting the town of Mingueo.
Community Empowerment and Cultural Exchange
The project provides employment opportunities for indigenous peoples from the nearby Kogui village. By supporting the growth of native and fruit-bearing trees, we're creating sustainable livelihoods while enhancing biodiversity. The mix of native and fruit trees will not only offset carbon but also provide harvests and essential habitats.
Carbon Credits and Beyond: Funding Sustainability
As the reforestation efforts mature, the project will start generating carbon credits. These funds will be reinvested into improving accommodations, transforming the project into a research and learning centre for permaculture and indigenous cultural exchange. This will further empower the community and facilitate knowledge sharing.
Your Impact: Join the Journey
By supporting this project, you're contributing to:
Carbon offset and reduction of your ecological footprint. Increased biodiversity and habitat restoration. Securing clean water for lower towns and communities downstream. Providing meaningful employment opportunities for indigenous peoples. Creating a sustainable space for learning, research, and cultural exchange.
Together, we're turning a once-degraded landscape into a thriving example of regenerative practices. Join us in this journey of transformation and sustainability. Your support matters.
Support the Project to Offset Carbon and Foster Regeneration.
Yellow speech bubbles centre bottom right corner show location of Love Grows Farm, forming part of the watershed of Mingueo in the state of La Guajira, Colombia. The Caribbean sea is 18km from the farm location, it takes 2 hours to walk from the village of Rio Ancho
“Food is connected to all of what we do and who we are as tribal people, and education is key to changing the trajectory of the tribe’s trauma”.
“We’re on the verge of true co-management of our aboriginal homeland. That’s huge,”
