Amazon Windshields
Farmers in the Bolivian Amazon often get blamed for the deforestation around them, but the truth is more complicated. When the land is exposed to wind and erosion, yields drop, and a farmer with shrinking yields has fewer choices, not more. The standard answer of "stop clearing forest" doesn't pay anyone's bills.
This project, run by Ketrawe, turns trees into the farmer's ally. Rows of windshields planted between fields cut erosion, hold water in the soil, and protect crops from the winds that used to flatten them. Yields rise by at least 12% on average. Over 200 farmers and communities have adopted the system voluntarily, and together they've planted 3.5 million trees across an area the size of a small city.
Not For Sale supports Amazon Windshields because the model is the lesson. When restoring the land also makes the farm more productive, conservation stops being a sacrifice and starts being a strategy. That is how change holds, generation after generation.
Field updates
Posts from the planting team21 May 2026
On April 23, 2026, one of our project members delivered a lecture on sustainability and sustainable tourism at Universidad Central in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. The event sparked deep interest among third-year students regarding carbon markets and ESG pillars. The youth asked brilliant questions about how carbon credits are structured, certified, and sold, proving their motivation to invest in future rural sustainable businesses. Our Commitment: we will proudly continue inspiring the next generation in circular economy, biodiversity, and climate solutions to foster a positive regional impact.
18 May 2026
We are skipping the "vulnerable little sprout" phase for these native trees planted inside a Bolivian sugarcane field. Dropping them in at a commanding 1.60 meters is a highly strategic move—essentially ensuring the aggressive ground cover doesn’t choke them out before they even get a chance to introduction themselves. The ultimate goal? A beautiful, mutualistic win-win. We're restoring the native forest and inviting biodiversity back to the land, which in turn naturally optimizes the farmer's crop yields. Think of it as giving Mother Nature a deliberate head start. In sustainable agriculture, vertical ambition clearly pays off
25 Apr 2026
These Tabebuia impetiginosa saplings have a big job description: serve as a living windshield and lead the charge in recovering local biodiversity. No pressure, guys, but the whole ecosystem is counting on you. We’ve given them "corner office" holes with a 24/7 canal view—now we’re just rooting for them to settle in. Best of luck in your new homes! May your branches be high and your performance reviews be evergreen.
30 Mar 2026
As shown in the photo, we prioritize leaving a thick layer of organic mulch (vegetative cover). This isn't just about clearing a path; it’s a deliberate strategy to: • Conserve Soil Moisture: Protecting the ground from evaporation. • Climate Buffering: Ensuring our seedlings survive and thrive, even during periods of intense drought. • Soil Health: Promoting biological activity beneath the surface. This photo has been taken at Campbell Farms, where this windbreaker will work in the middle of a sugar cane plantation. We believe that preparing for the future starts with how we treat the soil today.
27 Feb 2026
The image displays an orange grove integrated with windbreak structures (In San Julian – Bolivia)—a design we use to restore forest cover and ree...
28 Jan 2026
On Monday, January 21, in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, Ketrawe Foundation delivered an impactful keynote to the city's youth regarding Sustainable Business vs. Carbon. The session addressed the current reality of carbon credits in Bolivia, focusing on their proper implementation and the significant social, environmental, and economic impacts they generate. The event was a resounding success, characterized by high engagement and a dynamic Q&A session where young leaders actively participated in the conversation about the country's green future.
19 Jan 2026
We continue to advance our planting projects in Okinawa, Santa Cruz. We are currently focused on expanding our biodiversity corridors, which serve as essential windbreaks. These green barriers are key to protecting our crops while fostering local wildlife and promoting ecological balance in the region.
9 Jan 2026
SAN RAMÓN, BOLIVIA – A new chapter for sustainable agriculture has begun in the Chiquitania region. A pioneering project is launching its next phase, implementing silvopastoral systems—an innovative practice that integrates forestry with livestock production. The project creates a circular ecosystem where cattle and trees work together. By planting leguminous trees, the farm provides high-quality natural forage and essential shade for the animals, significantly reducing heat stress. In return, the livestock naturally enriches the soil with organic fertilizer, promoting a healthy, self-sustaining environment. This initiative in San Ramón proves that productivity and environmental care can go hand in hand. By combining traditional ranching with forest management, this project is setting a new standard for eco-friendly beef production in Santa Cruz, ensuring a greener future for the Bolivian lowlands.
26 Dec 2025
While global emissions are projected to fall in some regions, Central and South America face a 33.3% increase by 2050. To combat this, the Ketrawe Foundation is taking a "hands-on" approach in the heart of the Bolivian Amazon, moving beyond data to direct conservation. Through a vital partnership with the Tree-Nation community, Ketrawe is planting thousands of trees across this essential ecosystem. These trees act as powerful natural allies, sequestering carbon and mitigating the rising emissions in the region. This initiative proves that when global support meets local action, we can nurture a healthier future. Every seedling planted is a step toward protecting the planet's "vibrant lung" and securing a sustainable tomorrow.
22 Dec 2025
Our partnership focuses on restoring forests and protecting biodiversity. As a leader in Bolivia’s industrial cleaning sector, Urrutibehety is committed to sustainability and environmental care. We are ready to reach new milestones together with several upcoming projects. Stay tuned for updates on our Tree-Nation profile!
18 Dec 2025
By combining trees and agriculture, the project improves wildlife corridors, boosts crop yields, and helps reduce deforestation in the Amazon. Learn more and take part by planting a tree. 🌱
13 Dec 2025
SANTA CRUZ, December 12, 2025 — Traditional cattle ranching, defined by endless flat grass and direct reliance on rainfall, is being challenged by a n...
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