"Oaxaca launches ambitious reforestation program after devastating wildfires."

The devastation caused by wildfires in Oaxaca has left a deep mark on the state’s ecosystem, affecting 144,480 hectares, which places it third nationally in terms of damage. However, in the face of this adversity, the government of Oaxaca has taken the initiative to implement an ambitious reforestation program called Reforesta Oaxaca. This plan aims to reforest 11,500 hectares, as announced by the head of the State Forestry Commission (Coesfo), Magdalena Coello Castillo. Governor Salomón Jara Cruz emphasized the importance of this initiative, also recalling the 18,098,556 pesos that Coesfo had to pay to the Sembrando Vida program due to the unproductivity of plants in the fiscal year 2022, during the previous administration. This situation highlights the need for a change in the strategy for forest management and reforestation in the state, where the lack of action and resources has placed a significant burden on the current government. Reforestation efforts are already underway in the most affected municipalities. The reforestation is being carried out with native, timber, and tropical plants, with the aim of restoring biodiversity and allowing ecosystems to recover. Thanking the collaboration of local communities, Jara Cruz highlighted the solidarity and support they have shown during reforestation efforts, such as the mega tequios, which have fostered a sense of brotherhood in the fight to care for the environment. This weekend, the community of Atzompa will host a new reforestation event, demonstrating the state government's ongoing commitment to forest restoration. Jara Cruz assured that starting in 2025, the budget allocated for reforestation will be increased, allowing for the establishment of more nurseries and improving plant production, as well as increasing the number of firefighters for combating wildfires. Coello Castillo also presented encouraging figures, indicating that by August, 9,410,761 plants had been delivered, working on the reforestation and restoration of 9,410.73 hectares. She highlighted that the Chocho region, recognized throughout Latin America for its sustainable land management, has been one of the focal points in the efforts for forest restoration. Reforestation efforts have been carried out in various regions of the state, with the Sierra de Flores Magón reforesting 809.48 hectares, the Coast 716.46 hectares, and the Isthmus 1,307.93 hectares, among other areas. So far, actions have been implemented in 438 municipalities, reflecting a strong commitment from both the state government and society. For the next year, the investment will be even more robust, with a total of 102,439,303 pesos allocated for germplasm collection and plant production in 26 nurseries, covering 80 different species. Additionally, in 2023, 82,858,424 pesos were allocated for the rehabilitation of 19 existing nurseries, which promises a positive impact on plant production and reforestation efforts. This path toward forest restoration in Oaxaca not only seeks to mitigate the damage caused by wildfires but also to establish a solid foundation for long-term environmental sustainability. Community participation, as well as the financial and strategic commitment of the government, are key to ensuring that these efforts are not just temporary but become part of a comprehensive environmental policy that protects and restores the region's natural resources. However, the task is monumental and requires not only immediate attention but also a continuous commitment that transcends administrations and becomes a priority for all levels of government and citizens. The restoration of Oaxaca's forests is a shared responsibility that, if addressed properly, could transform not only the landscape but also the quality of life for the communities that depend on these natural resources.