Project 001 – Impossible Forest
Introduction: Our project in El Salvador’s Impossible National Park aims to restore the natural ecosystem through reforestation efforts on coffee farms.
Context: Impossible National Park, established in 1989, covers 38.20 square kilometers and is El Salvador’s largest and most biodiverse protected area. The park's rich biodiversity includes over 700 species of vascular plants and numerous endemic animals, such as the puma and the black-crested eagle. Despite its protected status, the park faces significant threats from deforestation, illegal logging, and habitat loss. The park is divided into two sectors, La Fincona and San Benito, and is a crucial hydrological regulator, mitigating river floods and storing water.
Opportunity: Reintroducing indigenous tree species to coffee farms within the park can restore habitats and enhance biodiversity. This effort supports both the environment and local coffee farmers by improving the ecological balance necessary for sustainable coffee production. The project also aligns with ecotourism and sustainable development initiatives that benefit local communities economically.
Aims:
Replant indigenous tree species that once thrived in the park.
Improve biodiversity and ecological health.
Support sustainable coffee farming practices.
Enhance local community involvement in conservation efforts.
Strategy:
Select coffee farms within the park for reforestation.
Provide and plant indigenous tree species such as oak, bromeliads, and orchids.
Collaborate with local farmers and environmental organizations.
Implement agroforestry systems that integrate coffee cultivation with the planting of native trees.
Results:
Enhanced biodiversity with the return of native species.
Improved soil health and coffee production sustainability.
Strengthened community involvement in conservation efforts.
Restoration of the park’s natural hydrological functions.
Partners:
The National Park Service and wildlife conservation bodies.
Universities and research institutions providing expertise and resources.