Sustainability | Article Index |
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| Embracing Biodiversity |
| Rejecting Monoculture |
One of the features that differentiates Foresta from conventional foresters is our commitment to biodiversity. Based on consultations with various tropical forestry experts and a thorough literature review, Foresta has developed a unique mixed-species model that can be adapted to local climates. At Foresta we believe that, contrary to the conventional wisdom, a focus on neglected local species can deliver superior financial returns while also facilitating ecosystem regeneration. Many neglected species are highly sought after for niche uses whether high-end instruments, fine furniture, construction or decoration. Because of the longer rotation periods of some of these trees or uncertainty around market acceptance, most timberland owners shy away. The result is that very little investment flows into plantations and supplies are dwindling. This has tragic consequences because pressures on natural forests continues to build. It also misses a financial opportunity because the trees' threatened status virtually guarantees that supply will remain limited and prices firm for producers. By cultivating new, sustainable sources of these beautiful woods on depleted pasture and marginal farmland, Foresta's eco-plantations will help relieve pressure on native forests and serve as genetic banks to propagate and protect some of the world's most beautiful tropical tree species. Even this is financially positive, since seed sales constitute another revenue source.
We believe that focusing on high-value native species and mixing fast and slow growing varieties makes sense. In developing each forestry plan, species selection will be performed with expert forestry technicians knowledgeable of local conditions. The tree mix will reflect technical, financial and biodiversity considerations. Many of the species identified by the company for cultivation in Central and South America appear on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources Red List (IUCN). Click on the scientific name to learn more about each species.
| Foresta Species |
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| Big Leaf Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla). One of the most coveted and valuable of the tropical hardwoods, Mahogany is nearly exhausted in many parts of its natural habitat. In plantations it must be planted in conjunction with other species to reduce susceptibility to attack by the caterpillar moth. The species is listed on the IUCN and CITES species lists as endangered. It is used in constructing furniture, boats and musical instruments. |
| Spanish Cedar (Cedrela odorata). Listed on both the IUCN and CITES databases as endangered, this species occurs naturally in the dry and humid forests of Central and South America. |
| Honduran Rosewood (Dalbergia Stevensonii). This beautiful wood is highly sought after as tonewood in the fabrication of musical instruments, such as guitars, as well as a variety of furniture and decorative veneers. As a nitrogen-fixing species, rosewood enhances soil fertility. |
| Primavera, White Mahogany (Cybistax donnellsmithii). White mahogany is an extremely dense wood (three times as hard as oak), used for fine furniture, cabinets, decking and inlays. It is increasingly rare outside of protected reserves. The species has a faster growth rate than many other precious hardwoods. |
| Ipê (Tabebuia spp.). Ipê is beautiful chestnut brown hardwood much sought after for ease of machining and slicing for veneers. As decking it is known to resist decay for decades. Similar to teak in strength, it is twice as strong as oak. |
| Chichipate, Almendra (Sweetia panamensis). Almendra's heartwood ranges from brown to olive with streaks. The wood has a waxy appearance with medium to high luster and no distinctive odor. The timber is hard, heavy and strong, known for its strength and longevity. The species is a nitrogen fixer. |
| Teak (Tectona grandis) is a high value commercially grown hardwoods. Highly weather-resistant, it is used for furniture, flooring, boats and veneer. Though not native, it is well adapted to Latin America, grows fast, is resistant to pests, and can be propagated through stem cuttings. When kiln dried, plantation teak approaches the quality of old-growth teak. |