In the heart of Teotitlán del Valle, a vibrant and ancestral Zapotec Indigenous community, a story of resistance and love for the land rises.

Autor: Gabino Damián Jiménez Martínez 
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This story began in 1985, when a conflict over the ownership of a piece of land in Læn gwer duub sparked a profound decision: instead of yielding to individual interests, the community assembly—the highest authority of the people—chose to transform the land into a Reforestation Center dedicated to restoring the local ecosystem. 

For decades, the Reforestation Center remained silent, until in 2025 the municipal government appointed new members to the committee. A group of young community members with a deep sense of environmental and cultural responsibility came together. Guided by passion and commitment, we took on the challenge of reviving not only a physical space but also the spirit of conservation passed down from our ancestors.

 

The work of the Reforestation Center Committee has been tireless and deeply rooted in values of respect and harmony with nature. One of our greatest challenges was facing the impact of invasive species, especially eucalyptus trees—non-native to the region and originally from Australia—which had dried up a vital spring for the local wildlife and the community. Aware of the spiritual and ecological importance of this water source, the committee set out to rehabilitate it—this spring that once nourished our ancestors and sustained the biodiversity of the region. 

The process was not simple. First, we had to draft a well-founded request to obtain approval from the municipal government, the Communal Lands Commission, the Oversight Council, and the Forestry Promotion Committee, who provided technical guidance. Each step was guided by the conviction that we were working for the common good. Honoring our Zapotec roots, we held ceremonies to ask permission from the eucalyptus trees themselves, apologizing and asking for their consent to remove them and use their wood for the benefit of the community. 

The first eucalyptus tree fell in March, in collaboration with the parents’ committee of the Community High School, and its wood was used to build desks and benches for the school. It was a symbolic act that marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Reforestation Center, where each tree removed represented a step toward restoring ecological balance. 

With the help of a chainsaw provided by the municipal authorities, we continued removing trees and building furniture, including a storage unit for the Center and benches and tables in the surrounding area, so that people can gather and enjoy the space. 

There were criticisms and moments of discouragement, as some people did not understand why a Reforestation Committee would be cutting down trees. But our conviction remained strong: we were saving an ecosystem. Constant communication with the community, explaining our actions and their long-term benefits, was essential in gaining their support and trust. 

Our reward came in May, when—after the first rains—the water began to return to the spring. It wasn’t just rainwater; it was the very source coming back to life—a living testimony of the positive impact of our work. Seeing the water flow again was a moment of deep emotion and gratitude, a reminder that nature responds when cared for with respect and dedication. 

Many eucalyptus trees still remain, and the road ahead is long, but hope is alive. This project seeks not only to restore the habitat of species like the deer that inhabit our mountains and come down to drink from the spring, but also to create an educational space where new generations can reconnect with their ecological and cultural heritage. 

In Teotitlán del Valle, the land and water tell stories of resilience; we are their guardians and storytellers. The work of the Reforestation Center Committee is a legacy of love for nature and an unwavering commitment to the future of our community.