Not long ago, I shared the story of a group of 12 incredible women in the Montes de María region of Colombia who carefully planted seeds and nurtured thousands of native tree seedlings—tending them day by day until they were strong enough to be planted to expand the forest edge habitat providing more trees for tamarins. Their hands helped grow the future of restoration in Colosó. But what has happened since then in those germination beds—the trojas—where it all began?
We recently visited these dedicated group of women and discovered that their impact has grown in ways that go far beyond forest restoration. Today, their trojas are not only nurturing native trees—they are also producing food for their families. Tomatoes, onions, scallions, sweet peppers, and other crops are thriving alongside the seeds they have planted for conservation efforts, strengthening household food security while keeping traditions alive. Cultivating the land is deeply rooted in Montemariana culture, and the trojas are a living expression of that connection. Thanks to this effort, more than 12,000 native trees were propagated to restore the forest surrounding the Coraza Reserve—marking the first phase of a broader ecological corridor. But the impact didn’t stop there. A spirit of generosity has taken root as well.
The women launched a collective effort to propagate and donate fruit trees to the 32 participating farming families that have dedicated part of their land to become future forest habitat for cotton-top tamarins. In total, more than 300 fruit trees were shared—providing direct benefits to farming families while also supporting the wildlife that depends on these landscapes. These trees are not just a source of food and income; they are part of a thoughtful approach to living in harmony with nature. The families who received them have embraced a shared commitment: to harvest what they need while leaving fruit behind for wildlife, including cotton-top tamarins and other species that rely on these resources. Rather than creating competition between people and wildlife, this effort helps reduce conflict by ensuring there is enough for both.
By planting fruit trees on their farms, families can meet their own needs while also providing food sources that help keep wildlife in natural and connected habitats—reducing the need for animals to venture into areas where they might be at risk. In this way, these fruit trees become a bridge between conservation and daily life—supporting livelihoods, strengthening food security, and reinforcing a culture of coexistence where both people and wildlife can thrive together. And in the Montes de María, that future is already taking root—one tree, one family, one shared promise at a time. The trojas continue to bear fruit in every sense: restoring forests with native species, strengthening food security, and building a more sustainable future for rural families—and for the cotton-top tamarins who depend on these forests to survive.