Safe water doesn’t start at the tap — it starts at the source. Even the best water treatment can’t fix a damaged source. In Honduras, deforestation is a major factor contributing to water scarcity and contamination. That’s why we don’t just treat water, we protect it. Water source protection — planting trees, protecting springs, and restoring watersheds — drastically reduces contamination, ensures steady water flow, and protects against droughts.

The Forest For The Trees

Reforestation strengthens the natural ecosystem that feeds water sources, helping them remain healthy and resilient. Cova’s Watershed Restoration program, in collaboration with US Forest Service, is promoting reforestation through the establishment of tree nurseries to support reforestation for the conservation and sustainability of water sources. By treating water and protecting where it comes from, Cova is supporting communities in efforts to safeguard water security – not just for today, but for generations to come.

Partnering For The Planet

Before the ground is broken for tree nursery construction, before dirt is hauled in, before irrigation hoses are installed, before a single seed is planted, Cova partners with the Honduran Coffee Institute and watershed management association, Asomaincupaco, to plant seeds of knowledge. Jointly creating forest nursery management and environmental education workshop and training spaces for adults and youth alike in participating communities is a key first step. With community buy-in, only then does the planting begin.

Planting For Tomorrow

Cova Circuit Rider, Nohemy, makes a quick stop at the office refrigerator before heading out for the day. Not so she can grab her lunch, although she’ll need one of those too — checking the progress of the latest tree nursery construction project, delivering materials to support tree planting at existing nurseries, and providing training sessions to onboard new communities into the watershed reforestation project, will be an all-day affair.

The fridge holds packages of seeds — pine and sweetgum tree seeds mostly, trees native to the area and that provide hearty root structures for stabilizing soil. Tucked into the cool, dry environment of the top shelf of the fridge for safe-keeping to extend their lifespan and improve germination, the seeds lay in wait until it is time to plant. In central locations carefully selected to ensure ease of access by surrounding communities, seven tree nurseries have been established to date, each now nurturing thousands of tiny trees (19,200 seeds planted!). This season has seen the fridge well stocked.

In partnership with community water boards and watershed councils, the tree nurseries are equipped. Irrigation systems installed, tools and materials readied, fertilizer on hand – check, check, check. But there is no substitute for green thumbs (inevitably turned black from the task at hand).

Nohemy brings a plethora of seeds to the Paniaguara Watershed Council where planting is a group effort requiring many hands as communities convene to take their turns. Beneath the shade of the black fabric canopy that protects the nursery, foam trays containing hundreds of individual shallow cells are filled with soil – one for each seed. Fingertips press small seeds into the soil with great care, and inside the controlled environment of the nursery, trees bound for a life of service get their start.

In all, 7,000 seeds will be planted in the Paniaguara nursery. When the seedlings outgrow their shallow cells, they will be transplanted into cylindrical nursery bags that allow roots to stretch and water to permeate. In five months, the saplings, 20” tall, will be strong enough for permanent transplant and will find a home in the reforestation of 18 community water sources. Over 1,000 families will benefit from the water security it brings.

With saplings growing strong in the established tree nurseries and plans to add 5 more this year, a few things are certain. Trees will be transplanted in service of watershed protection. Strengthened water sources will mean a more stable and reliable drinking water supply. Thousands more seeds will be planted, fertilized, watered, and nurtured this season. And, Nohemy will need a bigger fridge.