The devastating double seismic event on June 24th has placed both the communities and the vital ecosystems of Venezuela’s coastal range at a critical crossroads. While we are profoundly grateful that our partner farmers are safe, the earthquake strongly impacted tens of thousands across the region, including at least 30 smallholder farmers in our program whose homes were damaged or destroyed. In the wake of this crisis, this agroecological landscape faces the threat of its guardians being forced to leave. Without immediate support to help these families stabilize their living conditions, 60 hectares of highly biodiverse and sustainably managed forest are vulnerable to abandonment and deforestation.

Situated in the vital tropical dry and cloud forests between Henri Pittier National Park and Macarao National Park, this ecosystem is a critical biodiversity hotspot. It supports more than 340 bird species, and many endemic plants that depend on healthy habitats, secure water sources, and shaded agroforestry systems.

Since 2016, our Agriculture and Biodiversity Program has worked alongside these smallholder families to transform abandoned sun crops and coffee plantations into productive agroforestry farms. By cultivating shade-grown coffee, cacao, and banana alongside native trees, these communities actively protect biodiversity while building sustainable livelihoods. To date, this collaboration has protected more than 1,000 hectares of forest, planted over 70,000 native trees, and empowered over 300 farmers in ecological restoration and bird-friendly production.

To maintain our long-term conservation impact, we must ensure the human foundation of this ecosystem remains resilient. This campaign is dedicated to providing the materials and resources necessary to repair and stabilize the home infrastructure of at least 30 affected environmental stewards.

By securing their homes, we ensure these families are not forced to abandon their lands, allowing them to safely remain on-site to cultivate, conserve, and restore the 60 hectares under their care. They are the essential instruments for reconnecting these fragmented forests and the long-term guardians of this natural landscape.