It's Reforestation Time Palo Santo

Update: September 23, 2025

Reforesting the tropical dry forest in Manabí, Ecuador, has been my mission for almost a decade. It all began around 2005, when I founded EcuadorianHands. My love for nature and the waves motivated me when I realized that coastal communities depended on beaches for survival, but they were often not adequately protected.

During a surf trip south of Manabí, I discovered the wonderful properties of Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens), a sacred wood that soothes the soul. This inspired me to implement the #PaloSantoDoneRight reforestation program, with the goal of restoring dry forests and empowering native communities to care for this mystical tree.

Through that journey, I've discovered that true progress isn't measured only by the number of trees planted, but by the connection we forge with the land and the communities that inhabit it. We've reforested +12,000 trees since 2015, as an act of gratitude for what nature provides us.

This work is not just a project; it is a profound commitment to the conservation, sustainability, and regeneration of a fragile ecosystem. Our goal is to leave a legacy of a habitable planet, and to do so, we must reconnect humanity with nature in a harmonious way.

A Conscious Approach to Reforestation: Beyond the Conventional

When it comes to reforestation, at EcuadorianHands we don't follow a strict manual. Our method is intuitive and adapts to the rhythm of nature. In January 2020, taking advantage of the first rains, we launched our reforestation program. Accompanied by a passionate team, we explored the forest in search of areas known as "palosantales", where Palo Santo trees grow densely. This is where we employ the transplantation technique: we select trees that are very close together and move them to more dispersed areas.

Reforestation uses the transplantation method, which consists of determining an area of ​​the forest with an overpopulation of the same species to extract the trees that are very close together. They are then moved to an area of ​​the forest where there are no trees so they can continue their natural development. This way, the space left over when the trees are removed can be used by other native species of the dry forest.

This zero-waste approach allows us to maximize the use of existing resources without generating unnecessary waste. By transplanting instead of felling, we respect the tree's life cycle and promote ecosystem restoration organically.

EcuadorianHands Successfully Germinates Palo Santo Seeds

As part of our planning, we are reforesting native trees such as (Colicodendron scabridum), (Acacia farnesiana), (Cojoba arborea), (Muntingia calabura), and, of course, the palo santo (Bursera graveolens), among others. This work is carried out on the 50 hectares of our property in Joa, Jipijapa, Manabí, which is in the process of being declared a protected forest.

ELARTESAN-ECUADORIANHANDS: THE PROTECTED NATURAL RESERVE

The Art of Transplanting: Behind the Process

Transplanting a Palo Santo tree is a delicate process that requires patience and attention to detail. We begin by covering the tree roots with newspaper and a binder, materials that degrade in a couple of months, providing moisture and nutrients to the plant during its first few days.

Then, we determine the ideal location for the final planting. The tropical dry forests of Manabí are the most suitable place, as it is the natural habitat of the species. When planting, we dig a hole deep enough (40 x 40 cm) to allow the roots to establish themselves without problems, ensuring that there are no air pockets that could cause the tree to rot. The tree must be completely straight, planted up to the root collar.

In 2020, we planted 1,500 trees using this method, accompanied by students from the Faculty of Agriculture of the Technical University of Manabí, which allowed us to work on research about dry forests and Palo Santo.

A Commitment Beyond the Forest

On March 1, 2023, our work culminated with the formal declaration of the "El Artesan-Ecuadorianhands" Protected Natural Reserve by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Ecological Transition (MAATE). This reserve is a legacy of our #PaloSantoDoneRight approach and our commitment to conservation.

Palo Santo Sustainability: Separating Fact from the fake news. Is Palo Santo really endangered?

We work in partnership with the local community, universities, and the government to ensure our actions are sustainable and benefit everyone. By purchasing our ethically sourced palo santo products, you are not just buying an item; you are supporting an entire ecosystem, from reforestation and biodiversity conservation to the empowerment of local artisans who are at the heart of our project. It is a value chain that connects nature, community, and sustainability every step of the way.

The continuity of the #PaloSantoDoneRight program and the success of reforestation are only possible thanks to the sales of our products. Each purchase allows us to fund conservation activities, restoration projects, and support for local communities, ensuring that our work to protect the Manabí dry forest can continue.

FAQ

What does it mean that Palo Santo is ethically sourced ("Ethically Sourced")?

It means that no living trees are cut down. Harvesting is done sustainably, once the tree dies, respecting the ecosystem. Furthermore, sales profits are reinvested in reforestation projects and community support.

What is the #PaloSantoDoneRight reforestation program?

It is EcuadorianHands' commitment to restoring the Manabí tropical dry forest. Through this program, we reforest Palo Santo trees and other native species, using sustainable methods and working together with universities and the local community.

How does my purchase of Palo Santo contribute to conservation?

Each purchase directly funds our reforestation programs, the maintenance of the Protected Nature Reserve, and support for local communities. With your help, we can continue planting trees and restoring the ecosystem.

How can I know the Palo Santo I buy is authentic?

Authentic Palo Santo comes from the tree (Bursera graveolens) of the tropical dry forest. Ours is certified and has a traceable origin. Our commitment to reforestation and our work with the MAATE (National Forestry Agency) guarantee that the product is genuine and sustainable.