As part of our Earth Day initiative in 2024, Devoción partnered with Bauen Project to help restore native ecosystems in Pasca, Cundinamarca, Colombia, through the planting of 428 native trees. The project took place on “El Retiro,” a public ecological property located within the buffer zone of the Sumapaz páramo, one of the world’s most important high-altitude ecosystems and a critical source of freshwater for surrounding communities and agricultural regions.

The restoration focused on recovering areas previously affected by agricultural use, soil degradation, and the loss of native vegetation. By reestablishing native forest cover, the project supports biodiversity conservation, strengthens watershed protection, improves soil stability, and contributes to the long-term resilience of the ecosystem.

Working alongside local environmental experts and following ecological recommendations developed for the region, we planted native species selected for their ability to thrive in the local climate while supporting wildlife and water conservation. Species included Andean Oak (Quercus humboldtii), Romerón Pine (Retrophyllum rospigliosii), Coffee-region Walnut (Juglans neotropica), Spanish Cedar (Cedrela odorata), Andean Alder (Alnus acuminata), Chilco (Baccharis latifolia), Elderberry (Sambucus peruviana), Arrayán (Myrcianthes leucoxyla), and Cajeto (Cytharexylum subflavescens), among others. These native trees provide habitat and food sources for local wildlife, help stabilize soils, and promote healthy water systems.

The trees were planted across three restoration areas based on the ecological characteristics of each species, maximizing their long-term impact on forest regeneration and watershed protection.

The project was carried out in partnership with Bauen Project, which provided technical planning, implementation, and oversight with support from Devoción’s sustainability team. The restoration extends beyond the planting itself, with ongoing monitoring and maintenance to evaluate tree survival, growth, and the continued recovery of the ecosystem over time.

Protecting forests and water sources is essential to the future of coffee. Through projects like this, we continue investing in the health of Colombia’s landscapes and the communities that depend on them.