Nestled in the rough terrains of the Peruvian Andes, the project Más Árboles of Pachamama Raymi—translated as “Celebration of Mother Earth“—is an initiative aimed at reversing environmental degradation while uplifting rural communities. This project operates across five districts in the Cusco region, addressing barren landscapes, depleted soils, and rural poverty through a blend of ecological restoration and social empowerment.
Since the start in 2023, the project has planted over 2,000 hectares of forest plantation, with a goal of reforesting 13,300 hectares by 2029. Combining native and pioneer tree species, the plantations restore soil fertility, create timber and edible mushroom resources, and revitalize ecosystems. The project is not only revitalizing the highlands but also setting a replicable model for sustainable development.
A personal perspective from Ruth Bustamante
“My name is Ruth Bustamante, and I’m the Executive Director of Pachamama Raymi,” Ruth begins. Coming from a rural community herself, Ruth’s work resonates deeply with her personal experiences. “I understand the reality of community life. That’s why I’m so passionate about what we do. From the very start, the communities have been at the heart of the project, actively participating in every step. Decisions—ranging from nursery setup and planting campaigns to establishing project priorities—are made collectively”. Ruth describes how the initiative has empowered rural families. “We work with campesino experts—farmers trained in previous projects of Pachamama Raymi—who bridge the gap between our team and the local communities. They speak Quechua, understand the local context, and foster trust, which is key to success.”
What Ruth values most is the project’s social impact: “The environmental education we provide is invaluable. It’s not just about planting trees; it’s about teaching families how to care for their environment, fostering stewardship that will last generations, and giving them opportunities to improve their quality of life.”
Collaboration with Treevive
Pachamama Raymi has partnered with Treevive to integrate carbon credit financing into its restoration model. Since 2023, Treevive has supported the project through prefinancing and technical assistance for carbon project development, enabling the generation of carbon credits that will sustain long-term operations. “The partnership with Treevive is about more than funding; it’s about creating sustainable mechanisms that ensure our work endures. It’s a perfect alignment of shared values and expertise.”
Impact beyond trees
The project Más Árboles of Pachamama Raymi goes beyond ecological restoration. The project has built spaces for participation and education, where communities can learn, decide, and take ownership of their future. The initiative is changing lives, addressing motivation, self-esteem, and inter-learning among rural families.
As Ruth concludes, “This work is my passion. It’s about helping people see their environment differently and empowering them to make lasting changes. Pachamama Raymi is not just reforesting land—it’s reforesting hope.”