Our plantations

Norteak’s plantations are the foundation of our work. Spanning more than 3,500 hectares across Nicaragua, they are designed to deliver both environmental and economic value—combining responsible forestry with long-term community development.

We manage 16 plantations that integrate teak and native species, ecosystem restoration, and the protection of natural forests and water sources. Our approach prioritizes sustainable land use, biodiversity conservation, and climate action.

A Sustainable Forestry Model

Our plantations are established with the clear objective of producing high-quality commercial timber. At the same time, they serve as a platform for generating sustainable income, fostering local development, and ensuring environmental stewardship.

Every species is selected based on a detailed assessment of its ecological and economic potential—always within a framework of responsible forest management.

We prioritize:

Ecosystem health

Climate change mitigation

Community well-being

Long-term profitability

Our footprint

3,545 ha

total land under management

2,581 ha

reforested area

964 Ha

protected area, including a 120-hectare tropical rainforest

688 Ha

certified carbon removal area

Sustainable Forestry Practices

Silviculture Supported by Natural Forces

Our forestry model integrates natural processes wherever possible. Key practices include:

  • Avoiding ploughing to preserve soil structure
  • Using cattle for grass control where suitable
  • Maintaining a naturally grown understory of herbs and bushes in older plantations

These methods help restore natural soil fertility and resilience.

Advanced Genetic Selection

We improve our teak and native species stock using a combination of imported clones and seeds, as well as our own high-performing specimens.

Our researchers focus on traits that influence timber quality—such as straight stems, uniform cylindrical bases, and natural branching control—to select superior mother trees. Strong genetics form the basis for productive, resilient forests.

Precision Silviculture

Each plantation is unique, with varying growth dynamics, soil conditions, and exposure to wind and sunlight.

To ensure optimal treatments—such as weed control, pruning, and thinning—our monitoring teams conduct periodic visits and prescribe site-specific management actions that enhance timber quality and ecosystem health.

Responsible Harvesting & Replanting

Teak requires direct sunlight in its early years, which necessitates clear-cutting. However, our harvesting approach avoids large-scale clearing in a single area.

Instead, we create smaller, mosaic-like openings across the landscape. This benefits light-dependent species such as butterflies and grazing animals.Following harvest, replanting is immediate—ensuring long-term sustainability and alignment with FSC-certified standards.

Plantation Lifecycle

Our plantations follow a structured cycle designed to maximize sustainability, biodiversity, and timber quality:

Land Selection & Preparation

We identify and prepare degraded land suitable for forestry while preserving protected areas for conservation.

Planting & Care

We establish teak and native species under optimized conditions. During this phase, local communities may intercrop food crops to support food security.

Forest Growth & Maintenance

We implement sustainable techniques such as pruning, thinning, and understory development to promote soil health and maintain water balance.

Biodiversity Conservation

We protect native species, preserve critical habitats, and adopt forestry practices that minimize environmental impact.

Sustainable Harvesting

We conduct responsible timber extraction with minimal disturbance, ensuring forest continuity and regeneration.

Reforestation & Regeneration

After harvest, we replant immediately to maintain forest cover, ensure ongoing carbon capture, and support a sustainable production cycle.

Native High-Value Species

To diversify our timber production and support biodiversity, we test and develop native hardwoods. While many attempts have faced challenges such as pest vulnerability and limited seed access, some promising species include:

Platymiscium dimorphandrum (Coyote)

A silvopastoral hardwood with high density, reddish color, fine grain, and excellent workability—ideal for furniture.

Samanea saman (Genízaro)

An evergreen tree with an extended crown and deep green leaves, which can stand the conditions of heavy, waterlogged soils. Its semi-dens almost black wood is highly demanded in some countries.

Hymenaea courbaril (Guapinol / Jatoba)

Shade tolerant tree belonging to the climax forest. Hard, dark, almost purple. Good for furniture, and strongly demanded for flooring.

Dalbergia retusa (Cocobolo/Rosewood)

The most valuable wood from Nicaraguan forests. Demanded from China for tiny boxes and other handicrafts. Streaked mix of dark colors and a natural oil content giving a special finish.  

Dipteryx panamensis (Almendro)

One of the few bright colores tropical hard woods. Belong to the wet tropical forsts

Spondias mombin (Jobo), Vochysia guatemalensis (Palo de agua), and Caesalpinia violacea (Chocuabo)

Promising species under evaluation.

Our footprint

Norteak operates under internationally recognized certification schemes and is continuously improving its forestry model through innovation and research.

Land Use
Norteak
Norteak Group
Plantations
1,916 ha
2,419 ha
Protected
840 ha
1,045 ha
Other Use
58 ha
64 ha
Total
2,814 ha
3,528 ha

Sustainable Silviculture in Action

Our forestry practices include:

Responsible planting and pruning

Biodiversity-friendly understory development

Replanting after harvest

Integration of food crops during early plantation stages

In addition, our watershed management safeguards clean water for surrounding communities and reduces erosion. Our biodiversity programs protect endangered species and promote healthy, interconnected ecosystems.