These plantings are protected within 54 newly constructed exclusion plots across five forest sectors on Robinson Crusoe Island, covering 0.62 hectares of restored habitat. And, to ensure long-term success, we standardized seed collection protocols and gathered over 16,000 seeds from approximately 135 mature “mother” plants, preserving genetic diversity and enabling future propagation. 

Strengthening Communities of People and Plants

As part of the project, 26 people—including park rangers, community volunteers, and institutional partners—gained new skills in pesticide safety, nursery propagation, and invasive species management. 

Plant nurseries on Robinson Crusoe and Alejandro Selkirk Islands were renovated and expanded, and we helped implement a nursery production monitoring system and biosecurity protocols to prevent invasive species from threatening the new plants. We also developed a technical manual for large-scale plantings, along with a digital monitoring database. These new tools will ensure long-term success for the protected plants! 

Most importantly, though, this project was buoyed by the people of Juan Fernández, whose energy and passion for plant protection skyrocketed. Every single household in the archipelago was engaged in the project. We supported their vision by delivering 13 editions of ECORUMBO, our environmental magazine; a pocket guide to endemic trees, helping spread key knowledge about rare plants; and interpretive signage along the Plazoleta del Yunque trail, guiding hikers through the newly-restored forests. 

Weekly volunteer sessions in nurseries, collaborative planting days, and partnerships with local organizations like the Volunteers for the Juan Fernández Archipelago Foundation created a vibrant network of conservation champions. 

Thanks to Fondation Franklinia’s visionary support, this initiative has transformed not only landscapes but lives.