Thank you for growing a tree!
Together we regenerate what we consume on the Arhuaco LANDS in COLOMBIA
soccer fields of cacao forest are being preserved
seedlings were grown in local nurseries
Farmer families received organic certification
Of additional income for local partners have been generated
Your tree grows here
| Area: | Ancestral lands of the Arhuaco people, Sierra Nevada National Park |
| The forest: | Sierra Nevada National Park the size of 479.000 soccer fields |
| Rare wildlife: | Green sea turtles, pumas, deer, quetzal, woodnymphs, parakeets, harlequin frogs |
| Original bean: | Select tribal, Businchari criollo cacao |
| Your growers: | 193 families in 6 Arhauco indiginous communities |
TIMELINE
Updated: August 2023
Spring 2023
The leader of our bean team, Jan, visited various cacao farms to oversee pruning and pest control training progress conducted in 2022 and 2023. Significant improvements were observed in farm management and cacao productivity.
Winter 2022
The wild Bunsi cacao, native to the Sierra Nevada and collected by the Arhuaco tribe, has undergone genetic evaluations by Bioversity International and USDA. The results show that Bunsi cacao is 100% pure Criollos – a rarity worldwide. Francisco and Hernan Villafaña lead the preservation efforts by planting these pure specimens on their cacao farms.
Autumn 2022
Intensive pruning and pest control training, in collaboration with the Arhuaco community, has led to the establishment of 5 demonstration farms. Fungal diseases significantly reduce regional harvests, making these technical trainings crucial for boosting yields and income. Farmers have also received necessary equipment such as shears and saws.
Summer 2022
To help the Arhuaco community with their goal of taking back their ancestral land and caring for the environment, we created the Sacred Forests Foundation. Jan, along with the Arhuaco tribe leader and their community, visited different Sierra Nevada communities to get to know each other and plan future projects. Our current project is to restore 27,000 hectares of land over the next 5 years.
Spring 2022
A new processing center for fermentation and drying of cacao is being built in Galaxia at the Rio Fundacion river. The center enables the process of cacao in this region and improves the quality of graded cacao beans.
Winter 2021
Hernan, leader of the Arhuaco cacao project, rescues several rare heirloom Bunsi cacaos in the rainforests of the Sierra Nevada on a 3 day field trip.
Summer 2021
50 new families in remote villages on the Rio Fundacion river are included in the organic certification process.
Visit the complete timeline of this project
ONE BAR : ONE TREE > GO SEE
First beleaguered by conquistadores, then by the cocaine trade, now by mining companies, the ancestral lands of the Arhuaco people is the most irreplaceable nature reserve according to a 2013 landmark analysis of every protected area on the planet.
In partnership with the Arhuaco tribal council we preserve the acutely rare Bunsinchari cacao and its rainforest home. Together, we empower the Arhuaco tribe to make a better living with ultra-premium and forest-friendly cacao, while protecting one of the rarest places on our Earth.
ALL THIS IS POSSIBLE THANKS TO YOUR PURCHASE!
PARTNERs in Sierra Nevada (Arhuaco Ancestral Lands)
ARHUACO 82%
Heights of sweet spices, liquorice and sesame rise gently in this select tribal cacao made according to ancient Arhuaco tribal traditions that are designed to maintain the world’s natural harmony.