At Women-Run Nursery, a Quiet Revolution Takes Root

ADRIANA ALCÁZAR GONZÁLEZ, GPJ MEXICO

September 6, 2021

The gist: Selva El Ocote Biosphere Reserve is recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization as one of the most important forests in Mexico for economic potential and the diversity of flora and animal species. However, between 2000 and 2009, about 356 acres were either modified or lost to drought, fires, and human factors—particularly livestock encroachment.

La Peñita presented an answer to this challenge: they reach out specifically to women as “an act of inclusion,” and women like María Eugenia Vilchis Núñez, 55, embrace the chance to “care for the jungle and earn an income.” Members of La Peñita earn about 1,500 Mexican pesos ($76/month) — and ruffle tradition.

“We live in a place where women’s work is the house, the children, the hearth … but we got out of there, we trained ourselves, and now we run a nursery.” —María Eugenia Vilchis Núñez

The #faxx:

The nursery allowed reforestation to take place more quickly, easily, and inexpensively for the area's ranchers. To date, La Peñita has planted 90,000 trees. They cover 100 hectares (247 acres) and serve at least 25 ranchers in the area.

Read the article here.

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