Sustainable Forestry
Forestry Concept: Sustainable Forestry
Our principle is simple, but not simplistic: on former, partially degraded pasturelands, we mimic the natural development of mixed forests. Depending on the location, we reforest with a selection of 20 different predominantly native tree species, some of which are on the red list. The focus of this planting concept is sustainable timber production.
Our timber forest for sustainable forestry at Finca La Virgen
Permanently existing forest
Nature sets an example of how to manage and interact with it. We align our management concept with this principle, as sustaining an existing forest involves selective harvesting and maintaining a consistent forest cover through continuous replanting of new tree saplings.
In over 40 different planting variations, we combine fast-growing pioneer tree species (which provide valuable shade) with slower-growing species. Within this rapidly emerging forest environment, valuable timber species such as the Tonka tree thrive.
Permanently existing forest
Nature sets an example of how to manage and interact with it. We align our management concept with this principle, as sustaining an existing forest involves selective harvesting and maintaining a consistent forest cover through continuous replanting of new tree saplings.
In over 40 different planting variations, we combine fast-growing pioneer tree species (which provide valuable shade) with slower-growing species. Within this rapidly emerging forest environment, valuable timber species such as the Tonka tree thrive.
Selective harvesting
A system is only as healthy as the soil in which it takes root. Our forestry concept contributes significantly in this aspect as well: we intervene as little as possible in the growing ecosystem and practice selective harvesting to ensure our managed forests maintain consistent coverage.
For harvesting, we utilize cattle to prevent soil compaction and damage from heavy machinery. We leave forestry residues within the forest system, creating ideal conditions for a healthy humus layer and nutrient-rich, fertile soil.
Selective harvesting
A system is only as healthy as the soil in which it takes root. Our forestry concept contributes significantly in this aspect as well: we intervene as little as possible in the growing ecosystem and practice selective harvesting to ensure our managed forests maintain consistent coverage.
For harvesting, we utilize cattle to prevent soil compaction and damage from heavy machinery. We leave forestry residues within the forest system, creating ideal conditions for a healthy humus layer and nutrient-rich, fertile soil.
Overview of our forestry sites
Costa Rica
Locations
| Farm | Area (ha) |
| San Rafael | 217 ha |
| La Virgen | 756 ha |
| Las Delicias | 249 ha |
| El Porvenir | 378 ha |
| El Concho | 503 ha |
Overview of our forestry sites
Costa Rica
Locations
| Farm | Area (ha) |
| San Rafael | 217 ha |
| La Virgen | 756 ha |
| Las Delicias | 249 ha |
| El Porvenir | 378 ha |
| El Concho | 503 ha |
San Rafael
When we first bought our first Finca, San Rafael, in 2007, it was in saddening conditions. In the 70s, the previous owner cut down most of the natural forest growing on his property. He did it, so to extend the grazing area for his dairy cattle farm to all 217ha he owned. The overall loser in this process was the environment. We decided to do what we do best – give back live to the land and reforest it. With time, biodiversity returned, as we established Bauminvest’s very first mixed forest. And even today, we continue what we started on San Rafael. We actively turn degraded pastures into rich forests.
FACTS
Location: Region “Alujuela”; canton “San Carlos”
Size: 217 ha
Subdivision: San Rafael 1 and 2
Reforestation(s): 2007 – 2012
Tree species: Cebo, Almendro, Guapinol, Roble Savana, Pilon, Teak, Mahogany, Acacia, Corteza
La Virgen
That’s the kind of neighbour you want to have: La Virgen is in the direct vicinity of the famous Braulio Carrillo National Park. Where until the 1950s there was still dense primary tropical forest, countless hectares of forest were cleared on La Virgen in the course of agricultural expansion. The result: cattle with fences instead of trees with bark. BaumInvest took on the degraded pastureland: From 2010 onwards, we reforested with mixed forest, and by now a large part of the 756-hectare area is forested. Apart from the immediate proximity to the national park, La Virgen is characterised by something else: The finca, in the middle of the Sarapiqui region, is known for its white-water rivers on which rafting tours are offered. Here, the jungle experience is pure. And our forest helps to maintain this, as a protection for water sources and a constant rain provider.
FACTS
Location: Region “Heredia”; district “Sarapiqui”
Size: 756 ha
Subdivision: 14 smaller adjacent fincas, connecting across the entire region
Reforestation(s): 2009 -2011
Tree species: Botarama, Cebo, Almendro, Guapinol, Corteza, Corteza Amarilla, Roble Savana, Cocobolo, Caobill, Pilon, Teak, Cedro Maria
Las Delicias
Las Delicias is one of our most northern project sites. It is adjacent to the district of Aguas Claras, which is known for its numerous rivers. Before we acquired the 249 hectares in 2010, the land was used to raise cattle and grow rice and pulses. Citrus fruits and palm hearts were also planted there. We reforested the neglected areas with indigenous tree species, such as cebo or guapinol. By now, the soil has recovered thanks to a healthy nutrient cycle.
FACTS
Location: Region “Alujuela”; canton “Upala”
Size: 249ha
Subdivision: One unit
Reforestation(s): 2011 -2012
Tree species: Cebo, Cedro Maria, Guapinol, Teak, Almendro, Roble Coral, Caobilla, Cocobolo, Laurel, Pilón, Caoba, Manú
El Porvenir
Botarrama, Guapinol, Laurel: These three tree species we often used in the reforestation of El Porvenir. The 378 hectares are located in the northwest of Costa Rica, in the canton of Upala, which is known for its volcanoes and lagoons. In 2013, we took over the area of El Porvenir, where only a few trees remained from a once magnificent tropical forest. Citrus fruits were cultivated there for a long time, and cattle and dairy farming were practised. Accordingly, the land was barren and overgrazed when we acquired it – and we started to restore the forest there.
FACTS
Location: Region “Alujuela”; canton “Upala”
Size: 378ha
Subdivision: Finca Tajo, Finca Pina, Finca Montoya, Finca Chicho, Finca Chapulina, Finca Chandillo, Finca Canal
Reforestation(s): 2013
Tree species: Botarrama, Guapinol, Almendro, Teak, Cebo, Pilón, Caoba, Cedro Amargo, Laurel
El Concho
For years, our El Concho site lived a dreary life in monocultures: the landowner before our time had mainly relied on teak and acacia without mixing in other tree species! The area, not far from our Finca La Virgen, is surrounded by pineapple cultivation and sugar cane. Since the purchase of the finca in 2015, we have restored it bit by bit to its original state through near-natural reforestation with mixed forest – a lush forest, as a habitat for animals and plants.
FACTS
Location: Region “Alujuela”; canton “San Carlos”
Size: 503 ha
Subdivision: Concho 1 and Concho 2
Reforestation(s): 2015 – 2017
Tree species: Botarrama, Cebo, Almendro, Guapinol, Corteza, Corteza Amarilla, Roble Sabana, Cocobolo, Caobilla, Pilon, Teak, Cedro Amargo
San Rafael
When we first bought our first Finca, San Rafael, in 2007, it was in saddening conditions. In the 70s, the previous owner cut down most of the natural forest growing on his property. He did it, so to extend the grazing area for his dairy cattle farm to all 217ha he owned. The overall loser in this process was the environment. We decided to do what we do best – give back live to the land and reforest it. With time, biodiversity returned, as we established Bauminvest’s very first mixed forest. And even today, we continue what we started on San Rafael. We actively turn degraded pastures into rich forests.
FACTS
Location: Region “Alujuela”; canton “San Carlos”
Size: 217 ha
Subdivision: San Rafael 1 and 2
Reforestation(s): 2007 – 2012
Tree species: Cebo, Almendro, Guapinol, Roble Savana, Pilon, Teak, Mahogany, Acacia, Corteza
La Virgen
That’s the kind of neighbour you want to have: La Virgen is in the direct vicinity of the famous Braulio Carrillo National Park. Where until the 1950s there was still dense primary tropical forest, countless hectares of forest were cleared on La Virgen in the course of agricultural expansion. The result: cattle with fences instead of trees with bark. BaumInvest took on the degraded pastureland: From 2010 onwards, we reforested with mixed forest, and by now a large part of the 756-hectare area is forested. Apart from the immediate proximity to the national park, La Virgen is characterised by something else: The finca, in the middle of the Sarapiqui region, is known for its white-water rivers on which rafting tours are offered. Here, the jungle experience is pure. And our forest helps to maintain this, as a protection for water sources and a constant rain provider.
FACTS
Location: Region “Heredia”; district “Sarapiqui”
Size: 756 ha
Subdivision: 14 smaller adjacent fincas, connecting across the entire region
Reforestation(s): 2009 -2011
Tree species: Botarama, Cebo, Almendro, Guapinol, Corteza, Corteza Amarilla, Roble Savana, Cocobolo, Caobill, Pilon, Teak, Cedro Maria
Las Delicias
Las Delicias is one of our most northern project sites. It is adjacent to the district of Aguas Claras, which is known for its numerous rivers. Before we acquired the 249 hectares in 2010, the land was used to raise cattle and grow rice and pulses. Citrus fruits and palm hearts were also planted there. We reforested the neglected areas with indigenous tree species, such as cebo or guapinol. By now, the soil has recovered thanks to a healthy nutrient cycle.
FACTS
Location: Region “Alujuela”; canton “Upala”
Size: 249ha
Subdivision: One unit
Reforestation(s): 2011 -2012
Tree species: Cebo, Cedro Maria, Guapinol, Teak, Almendro, Roble Coral, Caobilla, Cocobolo, Laurel, Pilón, Caoba, Manú
El Porvenir
Botarrama, Guapinol, Laurel: These three tree species we often used in the reforestation of El Porvenir. The 378 hectares are located in the northwest of Costa Rica, in the canton of Upala, which is known for its volcanoes and lagoons. In 2013, we took over the area of El Porvenir, where only a few trees remained from a once magnificent tropical forest. Citrus fruits were cultivated there for a long time, and cattle and dairy farming were practised. Accordingly, the land was barren and overgrazed when we acquired it – and we started to restore the forest there.
FACTS
Location: Region “Alujuela”; canton “Upala”
Size: 378ha
Subdivision: Finca Tajo, Finca Pina, Finca Montoya, Finca Chicho, Finca Chapulina, Finca Chandillo, Finca Canal
Reforestation(s): 2013
Tree species: Botarrama, Guapinol, Almendro, Teak, Cebo, Pilón, Caoba, Cedro Amargo, Laurel
El Concho
For years, our El Concho site lived a dreary life in monocultures: the landowner before our time had mainly relied on teak and acacia without mixing in other tree species! The area, not far from our Finca La Virgen, is surrounded by pineapple cultivation and sugar cane. Since the purchase of the finca in 2015, we have restored it bit by bit to its original state through near-natural reforestation with mixed forest – a lush forest, as a habitat for animals and plants.
FACTS
Location: Region “Alujuela”; canton “San Carlos”
Size: 503 ha
Subdivision: Concho 1 and Concho 2
Reforestation(s): 2015 – 2017
Tree species: Botarrama, Cebo, Almendro, Guapinol, Corteza, Corteza Amarilla, Roble Sabana, Cocobolo, Caobilla, Pilon, Teak, Cedro Amargo
