Forest Restoration of Illegally Logged areas

The restoration project was established in the concession areas illegally logged in 2007 by the Omex logging company. Through strong opposition from especially the women groups from Leona village this illegal logging operation was stopped before it could damage larger areas of forest. The case become known in national and regional newspapers and was followed by radio New Zeeland. More than 80 hectares of rainforest were damaged by the company and plans were made to restore the forest through replanting. An opportunity arose to do this restoration as part of the climate chance programme of the Dutch Millennium Foundation. A contract was signed with this Foundation and a company known as the Noordelijke Akoestisch Adviesburo BV. The project involves the restoration of 20 hectares of forest through replanting and natural regeneration, line planting up to 6 hectares and the establishment of a small Teak plantation of 4 hectares. Also part of the the project is a extensive awareness and training programme to encourage people from other areas to replant and maintain their forest.