WELCOME TO THE third EDITION OF LAND LIFE MAGAZINE

Dear readers,

Ever since we started our restoration project of the Monarch butterfly winter habitat in Mexico last year, I had been hoping to make my way there at some point. In February of this year I was lucky enough to join a group of more than 30 journalists and our Mexico Land Life team to see how the trees were doing 8 months after planting, and to visit the hibernation grounds of the Monarch.
 
During our time in the tiny village of Nicol·s Romero, it became clear that the community sees the successful restoration of this precious habitat as a personal mission. The entire village (300 people) joined the celebration lunch dressed in their Sunday best, dancing and singing to the cheerful tunes of the Mariachi band, and applauding for the numerous speeches. As a Land Life founder I was encouraged to say a few words, and with the help of my Spanish speaking colleague spoke to the crowd; ìGracias a la communidad e a todosî. A triumph!

After a steep climb up the ëcerro pelÛní (Bold Mountain), passing thousands of Cocoon planted seedlings growing strong, we finally stepped into the biosphere (where the colonies roost in the branches of the oyamel trees). Hearing the soft fluttering of millions of butterfly wings is a sound I will never forget. It was an otherworldly experience we were reluctant to leave.

I left this beautiful country with a strong admiration for how these communities live in harmony with nature. Protecting their natural environment is an important part of everyday life; what happens in the mountains becomes the direct responsibility of the villagers. 

One of the greatest challenges of our time is to restore our earth and the habitats of our animals. In fact, their survival and our own are inextricably intertwined. I am grateful that I have had the chance in my lifetime to support this goal, and we are just getting started!

 
Yours Sincerely,

Eduard Zanen
Co-founder Land Life Company