BaumInvest has established a remarkable ecologically and socially sound reforestation project with predominantly native tree species in Costa Rica. Since the start of the project in 2007, an area of 2,115ha of pastureland, previously used for extensive cattle ranching, has been under sustainable management. 1,280ha have been successively reforested in near natural mixed forest plantations with mainly native tree species. In total, more than one million trees were planted using a variety of 17 different tree species. The plantations are managed as a continuous forest cover. The reforestation farms of BaumInvest are spread between five sites in the Central North of Costa Rica. About 25% of the total project area consist of remaining old-growth and secondary forest and wetlands – some of them classified and managed as high conservation value forests (HCVF) according to the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). These areas serve as habitat and biological corridors for many rare and endangered wildlife species of the diminishing Atlantic lowland rainforests in Central America – particularly the project area La Virgen located in close vicinity of the Braulio Carrillo National Park. By constantly monitoring biodiversity by the renown Senckenberg Institute, this project has discovered that 70 new species of amphibians and reptiles have resettled on its land.
Furthermore, the existence of the project provides constant work opportunities in these remote areas, promotes environmental education and helps to reduce illegal logging, poaching and animal trading. Finally, the reforestation of fallow and pastureland contributes to protect water catchment areas and improves water quality.