← Back to the directory

Tierra de Monte – Chiapas Rainforest Restoration & Community Empowerment Hub

Trust T1

Climate Zones: Tropical rainforest.
Regenerative Focus: Ecosystem restoration, agroforestry, cultural preservation.

About this land node

Tierra de Monte integrates traditional Tzotzil knowledge with regenerative agriculture to restore tropical rainforests, regenerate soils, and empower local communities through education, carbon-credit finance, and sustainable eco-tourism.

Overview

Project Vision: Regenerate rainforests and empower communities.
Project Purpose: Restore tropical rainforest ecosystems, support biodiversity, and empower local livelihoods by blending ancestral Tzotzil agroforestry with modern regenerative practices, digital finance inclusion, and socio-economic resilience.
Project Title: Tierra de Monte
Political Location: Chiapas State, Mexico

Ecology & biodiversity

Biodiversity context: Near Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve, a global biodiversity hotspot.
Ecological corridors: Links Montes Azules to El Triunfo Reserve.
Natural boundaries: Within Grijalva River watershed near Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve.
Ecosystem unity: Tropical rainforest ecosystem linking river valleys, hills, and communities, supporting wildlife corridors, water cycling, and carbon sequestration.

Climate & water

Climate Zones: Tropical rainforest.
Rainfall patterns: Rainy May–Oct (~300 mm/month); dry Nov–Apr.
Average Rainfall: 2,000–2,500 mm/year
Temperature Extremes: 20°C to 30°C
Average Temperature: 25°C average
Watershed: Grijalva River watershed draining into the Pacific Ocean.
Nearby water bodies: ≈10 km to Grijalva River; ≈50 km to Pacific Ocean

Land & terrain

Elevation & slope: 500–1,000 m; gentle slopes.
Landforms: Forest hills and river valleys.
Soil Types: Loamy fertile soils supporting rainforest species.
Soil health: Moderate organic matter, increasing with compost and agroforestry.
Erosion risk: Moderate erosion risk mitigated by reforestation and ground cover.
Renewable resource potential: Solar energy, water harvesting, biomass.

People & history

Land Acknowledgements: Honours Tzotzil people and their land guardianship.
Recent land history: Land degraded by deforestation now regenerating through community action.

Regenerative practice

Regenerative Focus: Ecosystem restoration, agroforestry, cultural preservation.
Regenerative Methodologies: Reforestation, agroforestry, sustainable harvesting, ecological education.
Environmental objectives: Increase biodiversity, restore soil health, stabilize water cycles.
Community objectives: Enhance local incomes, safeguard cultural heritage, and empower community governance.
Community engagement: Workshops, eco‑tours, carbon-offset programs, regenerative training.
Economic Model: Donations, eco‑tourism, local product sales, carbon finance.

Impact

Expressed Impact: Restored 80 hectares, increased biodiversity by 15%, trained 150+ locals.
Key impact metrics: Hectares reforested, biodiversity gains, community members trained.

Visiting & links

Nearest urban centres: ≈40 km from Tuxtla Gutiérrez.
Website: https://www.ecosystemrestorationcommunities.org/community/tierra-de-monte-mexico/
Social media: https://www.instagram.com/ecorestorationcommunities