Much More Than Reforestation: The SUPERNOVA Forest

The time has come: Soon, the first seedlings for our SUPERNOVA Forest in Costa Rica will be growing! Together with the BOSQUE AZUL association, we are embarking on new paths in terms of climate protection. Unlike reforestation approaches that promote monocultures and ignore biodiversity, we are focusing on a selection of endangered native tree species. Our goal is to support the existing ecosystem and create a diverse habitat for animals and humans. Additionally, to involve the local population for generations to come, we aim to engage them right from the start. Therefore, our efforts also emphasize women's empowerment and environmental education.

What's the starting point?

Climate change threatens life on Earth!

We are witnessing an unstoppable rise in CO2 emissions, temperatures, and the resulting menacing extreme weather events. At the same time, we are experiencing a catastrophic loss of biodiversity.

One of the most significant phenomena driving climate change today is the destruction of vast rainforest areas. Already, as a consequence, 150 animal and plant species disappear irretrievably every day. (Source: https://www.greenpeace.de/biodiversitaet/artenkrise/artensterben) 

To achieve the 1.5-degree climate target beyond 2030, we all need to make massive efforts. If the temperature were to rise again above 1.5 degrees, a lot would be at stake. According to WWF, the threats would increase exponentially as a consequence (Source: https://www.wwf.at/artikel/folgen-der-klimakrise-15-grad-oder-2-grad): 




Sustainable business practices are therefore of great importance to us, and we have been searching for a way to contribute to solutions. In 2023, we achieved important milestones for our sustainability strategy at SUPERNOVA:

• We have brought an expert in sustainability into our team,
• developed a 7-point plan for sustainability,
• joined a CO2 reduction project supported by the federal government, and are now also determining the exact carbon footprint of our lamp production.

A clever solution to protect climate and biodiversity

Are we satisfied with that? No! We are aware that it is not enough. We have thought about how we can simultaneously reduce emissions and contribute to the preservation of biodiversity. Reforestation in tropical areas with endangered tree species provides a great answer!

We are convinced that it is possible to minimize our CO2 consumption and engage in biodiversity-rich reforestation at the same time!

Why biodiversity is important

Tropical rainforests have a significant impact on the global weather system and possess incomparably higher biodiversity than our local forests.

The rainforest is a source of a variety of medically valuable substances, many of which have not yet been discovered. Instead, we run the risk of losing these unexplored treasures forever!

An example in the Central American rainforest is the endangered giant almendro tree, which towers above other tree species and almost forms its own ecosystem. Numerous animals and plants depend on this tree and its fruits, including the critically endangered scarlet macaw.

Why do many reforestation projects fail?

One main reason, in our opinion, is their one-sided concept. We have the following criticisms in particular:

• Very often, only 3-4 fast-growing species are selected, which capture a lot of CO2 in a short period, but biodiversity suffers (monoculture). 
• Many trees are planted, but their health and robustness are secondary (quantity over quality). 
  
• Commercially attractive species are preferred and displace originally indigenous species. 
• Inappropriate plant choices are made regarding the local wildlife.
• Neglecting the care of seedlings in the first few months after their planting.
  

Why Costa Rica and not the Black Forest?

What happens in our local forest in a hundred years occurs in the rainforest in approximately only 10-20 years. This applies to both CO2 sequestration and the creation of a biological habitat.

For precisely this reason, we have decided to participate in a reforestation project in the tropical rainforest. Through our membership in BPM (Biodiversity Partnership Mesoamerica), we have learned how important the preservation of these forests and their biodiversity is for humanity. This has also led us to discover an interesting and admirable organization in Costa Rica: Bosque Azul, which means "Blue Forest" in English. Bosque Azul was founded by Monica and Michael Hall from Emmendingen (Black Forest) to restore the forest landscape in collaboration with the local community.

Furthermore, Costa Rica is an ideal candidate location for such a project because the country has ideal weather conditions similar to a greenhouse and offers many suitable former livestock pastures for reforestation. It was important for us to find the right project - one that supports biodiversity, does not pursue commercial interests, and involves the local population. As one of the most socially and politically stable countries in Central America, peaceful Costa Rica is our preferred location.

This is what the fallow pastureland looks like, where reforestation is set to begin in 2024.

What will the SUPERNOVA forest look like?

The special aspect of the Bosque Azul organization is the combination of reforestation, ecological agriculture, and social solutions. Its goals also include environmental education and promoting local women's entrepreneurship. By collaborating with dedicated allies on-site, the sustainable success of the project can be ensured.

By developing and merging multiple landscape zones, a long-term biological corridor will be established in the area, connecting forested areas and enabling the survival of endangered species. Reforestation will be carried out using numerous native tree species.

We will regularly keep you informed about the progress and challenges of the project...

More about BOSQUE AZUL here...

The board members of Bosque Azul. 

Photos: Bosque Azul

Text: Marcus Wallmeyer / Levin Sottru