The Government and Volkswagen Join Forces to Boost Reforestation
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The Government and Volkswagen Join Forces to Boost Reforestation

Photo by:   Photo by Ed van duijn on Unsplash
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María Fernanda Barría By María Fernanda Barría | Junior Journalist and Industry Analyst - Mon, 07/05/2021 - 09:42

Government entities have joined forces with Volkswagen Mexico to achieve sustainability and conserve biodiversity for rainforests in Hueytamalco, Puebla, through an agreement to develop a scientific research project on wild vegetation and develop a tree planting plan. 

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER), through the National Institute of Forestry, Agriculture and Livestock Research (INIFAP), and Volkswagen Mexico signed a collaboration agreement to develop a controlled investigation on 1,500 hectares of wild vegetation.

SADER has reported that the agreement will have a five-year term to evaluate the potential of secondary vegetation with the enrichment of wild vegetation as a mechanism to contribute to a sustainable strategy that functions as a carbon capture method to reduce carbon dioxide levels in the environment.

Volkswagen indicates that approximately 150,000 timber forest species will be planted. Both parties aim to monitor the wildlife within the 1,500 hectares of wild vegetation region, and these include mammals and birds and the measurement of rainwater collection systems in the area.

The development of the plantation will be constantly evaluated during the agreement period and the company will implement an environmental education training program for students and growers. Luis Ángel Rodríguez del Bosque, manager in charge of the Office of the General Affairs of INIFAP and the regional director of INIFAP Gulf Center, Sergio Alberto Curti Díaz, indicated that nearly two-thirds of the plants will be acquired from certified greenhouses and the rest will be produced in the Las Margaritas greenhouse. The greenhouse, which is part of the Las Margaritas Experimental site, covers 2,523 hectares with certified seed. In addition, pest control will be added in the forest plantation to prevent damage from insects and diseases. "This INIFAP-Volkswagen Mexico alliance is crucial because it will develop activities aimed at improving the land and air, as well as creating environmental awareness we should have for the planet. We recognize the responsibility and commitment of the private sector to work for a better environment, which will undoubtedly promote and improve the economic and social development of the northeastern region of Puebla," Rodríguez del Bosque said.

Several automotive companies in the country have joined the sustainable path within their operations and programs. As previously reported on MBN, Audi has implemented environmental programs in its production processes and administrative areas. Andreas Lehe, former President of Audi Mexico, talked with MBN and said, "we are the first entity to be waste-water-free in Puebla. We earned this recognition thanks to our lagoon, where we use rainwater for our processes instead of freshwater."

SADER reports that forests, jungles, and other forest vegetation types cover more than 60 percent of the country's territory. They are home to high biological diversity and provide essential environmental services, including carbon capture, water capture, provision and quality, soil protection and conservation, and habitat for biodiversity.
 

Photo by:   Photo by Ed van duijn on Unsplash

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