In an effort to generate a significant environmental impact and promote self-sufficiency, the Mechanized Cavalry Group No. 1 General José Silva Plazas, of the Fifth Division of Colombian National Army, has launched the San Jorge forest nursery.
Inaugurated in 2020 with the support of the Military Engineers Command and in partnership with the Regional Autonomous Corporation of Boyacá, this project has been driven by its comprehensive approach that combines reforestation, agricultural development and sustainability training for soldiers. Certified by the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA), it has been recognized for its ability to carry out tasks that work for the sustainable growth of the rural and environmental sector.
The focus of the nursery is oriented to the repair of Paramo forests and the creation of vegetable gardens for the self-consumption of the soldiers, a differentiating factor. This is how this innovative initiative seeks to promote food self-sufficiency and sustainability within the Army. With an planted capacity of 200,000 seedlings and specialized irrigation systems, the nursery is a national and departmental reference, cultivating more than eleven specimens, such as totumo, eugenias, manita de oso and guayacan de Manizales.
Another distinctive feature of the nursery is the training, instruction and accompaniment that soldiers and young people who serve the military service receive to preserve the regional flora. Through the Fe en Colombia program, members of the Military Forces receive specific training in forest fire mitigation and sustainable agricultural practices.
The environmental engineer of the Fe in Colombia team, Angela Díaz, highlights that "the operation carried out by the Mechanized Cavalry Group No. 1 with the San Jorge nursery is an outstanding example of how collaboration conducted by Colombian National Army and civilian institutions can generate a positive and lasting impact on the environment. Its specialization in reforestation and biodiversity conservation is worthy of admiration and deserves all our support," he said.
In this sense, Lieutenant Colonel Carlos Fernando Lemus García, commander of the group, affirms that "by working hand in hand with the Faith in Colombia program of Colombian National Army and allied institutions, we demonstrate that we are a single force taking care of our home: the earth."
Source: Press – National Army
