Come to the event “Viva México” in Bern and help grow a tree

Gertrude Duby, the Swiss explorer in México, started in early1970 a hardcore campaign in Chiapas to reforest what was then left of the majestic Lacandon rainforest. Three decades after her arrival in Chiapas in 1943, and two decades after founding with her husband Frans Blom the House of the Jaguar or, Na Bolom, she confirmed the depletion of the luxurious forest. But instead of merely denouncing and complaining, she put herself to work. First, she created in 1975 a tree nursery –much to the surprise of the indigenous peoples- administered by Na Bolom, where plantation of native tree plants went into a frantic activity. When the trees were ready, they were planted everywhere it was needed, not only in the jungle, but in the rural and indigenous communities and cities as well. Free of charge, of course.
That tree nursery continues to produce plants. Trudi revolutionary action was the foundation for the Reforestation Program that even today is one of the main activities run by the association Na Bolom, A.C. an important part of the modern Climate Change Program.
Na Bolom.ch in Switzerland starts to fulfill its aim to assist reforestation in Chiapas with the support of its members and friends. It wants to give a hand in planting trees and reforest whatever space is possible in Chiapas’ highlands. We, the members of Na Bolom.ch recall Trudi’s words when she affirmed that it is up to us, not just governments and institutions, to protect nature, since nature bring us life.
The Mexican Fair to be held in Bern this coming Saturday 19th August will be the starting point to collect funds for supporting Trudi’s legacy at Na Bolom in Mexico. Forests have become more and more important for our survival. There is a need for everyone to do whatever possible in order to protect our living environment.
All proceeds from the Na Bolom.ch stand at the event “Viva Mexico” will be put to good use in Chiapas through the Reforestation Program so dear to Trudi Duby aiming specifically to impact the Lacandon town of Nahá, where Trudi had her headquarters while in the jungle. A tree nursery at Nahá will be targeted by Na Bolom.ch to be the center for nursing the trees of varieties that are endemic to the subtropical south of Mexico plus provinding a couple of jobs. The program aims to cover an important dimension of the lacandon area but, as you may well presume, has as well an important budget for the next five years. We are to start little by little.
The Na Bolom.ch stand at the “Viva Mexico” Fair and market has for you an atractive array of products from blouses, embroidered belts, big, small and tiny bags, shawls, books, painted and embroidered fans, tablecloths, cushion covers, toys and much more. Made by women handicrafters in Chiapas working with lovely textiles, colors and designs. You buy, you are planting a seed for a tree to grow!
Donations started to come already. Those who cannot come to Bern are sending us donations, an act we enourmously appreciate. We hope to get many.
Let us start the Reforestation Program of Na Bolom.ch!