Restoration in Phases
The restoration of Finca Fuente Vieja does not follow a rigid master plan, but a deliberately phased approach. A living agroforestry system cannot be forced — it must be read, understood, and developed step by step.
In 2021, all shareholders jointly agreed on a unified decision to revive the plantation. Not radically, not hastily, but with respect for the existing ecosystem. Instead of clearing large areas, a conscious choice was made not to cut down all trees, but to selectively remove individual ones. The goal was to allow the right amount of sunlight to reach the land without disrupting the natural balance.
One of the first key steps was the restoration of old pathways. These historic trails structure the plantation, enable ongoing maintenance, and create orientation across the terrain — especially on the hillsides. Along these paths, Félix Pérez began carefully tending the land: removing unnecessary brush, controlling invasive plants, and clearing areas without damaging the soil or disrupting the forest ecosystem.
At the same time, the foundation was laid for the return of coffee cultivation.
Across different areas of the plantation, around 5,000 seedlings were planted — intentionally distributed, integrated into the existing landscape, and adapted to the specific conditions of sunlight, shade, and soil. In addition, fruit trees such as orange, avocado, and mango trees were introduced to establish an agroforestry system that is diverse, resilient, and productive from the very beginning.
The restoration remains an ongoing process. Future phases include the renewal and stabilization of pathways, especially along the slopes, protecting hillside areas from erosion, consistently removing invasive vines, selectively pruning trees, and continuously managing the balance between light and shade. All of these measures are essential to transform an overgrown forest back into a functioning agroforestry system.