In Ecuador a “good farmer” is one who has chopped all trees and has turned the jungle into meadows for cows.
We have a different view as we believe that biodiversity is of most importance. This is one of the reasons why we started the WakingHerbs project. With the higher demand for the plants used in ayahuasca ceremonies more and more plants are harvested. We have heard stories from Peru where it is getting harder and harder to get caapi vine for instance. Replanting is no priority for most.
Replanting thousands of plants
We have been working with Quechua people in Ecuador for years now. We planted many thousands of Caapi vines, Chacruna, Guayusa, Bobinsana and many more plants together with them. Always in so called forest gardens to stimulate biodiversity.
Love from the Heart
A few months ago Laura and Wouter had the chance to buy a piece of land in the area of Mindo, Ecuador in the cloud forest. This land is bordered by a river and by mountains. It has been used for agriculture the last 80 years. We have called it Reserva Munay. In Quechua this means: Love from the Heart
The Quechua people we work with from the Rio Napo area came to Reserva Munay many times. They brought loads of plants for us to give back to Pachamama.
Reserva Munay brings up many ideas and dreams. Many which will unfold during time. A maloka is being built right now, the foundation for a school is being set up and a brick house is nearly finished.
Children of the Earth
February 2019 Philip came over from Holland and together with Wouter and Laura they planted many trees. Some of them will be full grown in sixty years. We hope that our children and all the children of the earth can sit in its’ shade and enjoy it magnificence.