The plantation will be transformed back into rainforest.

In the Llano Bonito Nature Reserve, former Melina plantations are being transformed back into vibrant rainforest.

98 hectares protected

23,600 trees planted

Local protective work

A place where rainforest returns.

In the Llano Bonito Nature Reserve in Costa Rica, former Melina plantations are gradually being transformed back into vibrant rainforest.

Local teams plant native tree species, maintain young areas and permanently protect new habitats.

Region: Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Protected area: 98 hectares

Start: 2020

llano-bonito-nature-reserve-rainforest-clearing

How it all began.

In 2018, we stood on depleted former Melina plantation areas. The Melina trees had been cultivated for the timber and paper industry. What remained were open areas with little shade, low biodiversity, and hardly any natural regeneration.

This situation gave rise to the Llano Bonito Nature Reserve: a conservation project that is gradually transforming former plantation areas back into vibrant rainforest areas.

With local teams, native tree species and consistent care, new habitat is being created here – visibly, documented and protected in the long term.

This is how new rainforest is created.

SECURE AREAS

98 hectares are already permanently protected. Sensitive areas are demarcated, maintained, and managed long-term.

PLANTING NATIVE TREES

Local teams plant tree species suited to the location. No monocultures, but gradually more diversity.

RESTORE LIVING SPACES

With the regeneration, animals return. New forest structures create habitats for monkeys, toucans, sloths, and big cats.

STABILIZE WATER AND SOIL

Growing vegetation protects soils, improves water retention and helps to rebuild natural cycles.

SECURE AREAS

So far, 98 hectares of rainforest have been permanently protected. Further areas are planned.

PLANTING TREES

Over 22,000 native seedlings were planted with local experts - from Guanacaste to Kapok trees.

RETURN ANIMALS

Improvements to the habitat are leading to the return of wild animals - including monkey species, toucans, sloths and most recently even a jaguar.

PROTECT WATER

With the trees, the water returns. New spring areas emerge, stabilizing entire regions.

The people behind the forest.

The Llano Bonito Nature Reserve is not created at a desk. Local teams plant, maintain, and protect the areas on site – many of them with an agricultural background from the region.

Wido Fath, Erik Reinhold, and Joachim Gerlach , as partners of Green Industry GmbH, are behind the project. Erik oversees the implementation on-site in Costa Rica, while Wido and Joachim are responsible for the strategic and long-term development.

Sandra Gerbholz , founder of SINN & MARKE, is responsible for the brand identity, communication, and digital marketing of the project. Together, they are working to make rainforest protection visible, transparent, and effective in the long term.

Their work creates income, responsibility, and opportunities. And it ensures that protection is not only planned, but implemented daily.

From damaged soil to new forest.

The former Melina plantations left behind structurally poor areas where soil and vegetation first need to regenerate. The condition of the soil can also be assessed in the field: color, structure, root penetration, and organic matter provide information about water balance, oxygen supply, and biological activity.

Reforestation begins with the planting of native tree species suited to the location. Roots stabilize and aerate the soil, while leaves and dead plant material create new organic matter. At the same time, water retention and the microclimate improve. As vegetation grows, natural succession begins – the former plantation area gradually re-emerges into a more complex forest ecosystem.

Reserva Natural del Bosque Lluvioso de Costa Rica, Llano Bonito

Why the project works.

This project combines ecological impact with economic integrity:

All areas are secured and protected for decades.
Reforestation is carried out using tree species suited to the location – no monocultures.
There are regular updates, monitoring, and transparency reports.
No greenwashing – but genuine restoration

Every contribution helps to secure new areas, raise seedlings, and support local people. Because regeneration begins with a single square meter – and with your decision.

I WANT TO BE PART OF THIS