Caring for Ecomemoria: watering the forest

In the process of building this forest, as in many other processes, there is a time for planting, a time for caring, and a time for harvesting. During the planting months in the winter of 2023, we managed to plant over 1500 trees. Each of these trees bears the name of a detained-disappeared, or executed political person, and their spirit lives within each one of them

Summer brought the period of caring for each tree, which involved creating “cups” around each tree and watering them one by one. This required water and the collaboration of volunteers in watering the tress, a process held every other day. The scarcity of water posed a major problem, so experts sought to find a source, and once found, but it was necessary to build a well to provide the water. This investment was considerable but indispensable for the care of a growing forest

The work of the volunteers was arduous, with an average of 5 volunteers from Ecomemoria, the Araucanía region and England attending every other day to water each tree. We want to express our appreciation for their commitment

We sincerely thank those who visited the forest and helped during this period

The invitation to join and collaborate is constant because Ecomemoria is a collective project, part of the tribute and the struggle for truth and justice

Launching of Ecomemoria

September 9th, 2023, marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of ecomemoria, after four months of hard voluntary work. The torrential rains that accompanied that day could not overshadow the emotion and commitment of the numerous people who were present, coming from Parral, Santiago, Valparaíso, Temuco, Pitrufquén, La Serena, London (England), and several towns in the Araucanía region

It was a moving spectacle to witness how, amidst the intense rain, everyone planted trees with fervour and dedication. Among the crowd, a family searched determinedly, alongside the members of ecomemoria, for the tree that represented their loved one… until they finally found it. This emotional moment reflected the long struggle that had been fought for years: a struggle marked by hope, effort, perseverance, commitment, and the shared dream of building a better future

Although the inauguration of ecomemoria represented the realisation of a long-awaited dream, it also marked the beginning of a new chapter. September 9th, 2023, symbolised the fulfilment of a longing that was conceived years ago: to plant a tree for every freedom and political fighter who disappeared or was executed during the civic-military dictatorship

This forest stands as a living monument, where the dreams, struggles, and hopes of those who are no longer with us continue to be tangible. It is a powerful symbol of the tireless pursuit of truth and justice that has characterised so many years of struggle

Preserving memory, safeguarding ecological diversity

The environment where the Ecomemoria forest is located is situated near the town of Curacautín, in the La Araucanía Region

This place offers us a landscape of immeasurable beauty, which will serve as the home for the memory of the people who embodied the political project of a conscious society that dared to dream

With this symbolic act that fuses ecology and memory (Ecomemoria), the creation of a “living memory” is proposed in homage to the victims, and a living testimony and denunciation for future generations

They tried to bury us, but they did not know we were seeds

During the months from May to September 2023, we experienced moments filled with solidarity and commitment in southern Chile. It’s during this time when trees should be planted, and every weekend, a small group of people, moved by a deep sense of solidarity, travelled from Temuco, Curacautín, Pitrufquén, La Serena and Santiago to Ecomemoria to pay tribute to each person remembered in this forest, planting trees in their memory

For us, each tree planted is not just a physical act, but a gesture of solidarity and commitment to those who are no longer with us. With care and dedication, we cleared bamboo from the land and protected the bases of the trees with tubes and grates, ensuring that each one grows strong and protected. Some trees were donated, others obtained from local nurseries, but all of them carried a special meaning, a tribute to the life and legacy of those we want to remember

Every purchase, every load in the truck, every moment shared on the land, was imbued with emotion and gratitude towards those who have supported this meaningful project. Following the specialists’ instructions, we planted with care and precision, fixing georeferenced points to ensure that each tree would find its place in this sanctuary of memory and ecology

Rain or shine, with tiredness, but also with determination and commitment, this group dedicated their time and effort to achieve our goal: to reach September 11, 2023, with at least 1000 native trees planted in Ecomemoria. Each of these trees is a demand for truth and justice and a symbol of solidarity, memory, and hope for us and for future generations

Ecomemoria takes shape

The beginning of the forest’s creation has been made possible thanks to the generosity of resources and tree donations, as well as the committed and selfless volunteer work of colleagues who have dedicated their efforts to transforming the land located in Curacautín, where the Ecomemoria forest is situated

Dreams are made by hand and without permission

On May 6, 2023, the dream to plant a forest of memory of native trees – Ecomemoria became a reality, near Curacautin, in the province of Malleco, in the Araucania region. The trees that we have been planting for years in squares, streets and Parks, in different cities and towns around the world, became silent witnesses to the women and men who were victims of the military dictatorship, now can embrace each other in a single corner full of meaning.

The ceremony began with the reading of the names of the victims followed by a ceremony led by the local Lonko Juan Kidel, from the Ignacio Huaiquilao community, and the planting of the first 15 Koywe trees. On this occasion, local and national human rights organisations participated, including the Association of Relatives of Detained Disappeared and Politically Executed of the Araucania as well as from other parts of the country, Memoriaviva, Modatima Wallmapu, and members of other social organisations

Why a forest? A forest is more than just a colony of trees; it is a symbol of diversity, unity, and solidarity. A space where different species nourish, support and accompany each other in harmony with the environment. Thus, the Ecomemoria forest not only seeks to keep alive the memory of the detained disappeared and politically executed people of the dictatorship but also to preserve the memory of the social project they embraced and that we continue to embrace: a project born from the diversity of social and political movements in Chile, with the dream of building a more just and equal society. Likewise, the Ecomemoria project is embedded not only in our history and struggles, with deep roots that connect us with the past, but also inspire us for the future.