What We Do
What We Do
1) Tree Planting:
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago.The second best time is now”
– Chinese Proverb
This proverb explains a lot. Generally tree plantation is like giving someone life.
Trees lower levels of stress and improve the overall health of humans by tackling air pollution. In
addition, studies have shown that children who have trees growing in their backyards are more
likely to achieve success at school. In addition, trees help to sustain biodiversity and help to
tackle soil erosion.
Today the Earth contains over 3 trillion trees. However, studies show that this number is steadily
decreasing with various human needs leading to 15 billion trees being cut down every year.
The top three nations in terms of the number of trees and the surface area they cover are:
1. Russia–642billion(45%of the country’s landmass is covered by forests)
2. Canada–318billion(40%)
3. Brazil–302billion(62%)
1. Russia–642billion(45%of the country’s landmass is covered by forests)
2. Canada–318billion(40%)
3. Brazil–302billion(62%)
Reforestation and afforestation play important roles in preventing natural and man-made disasters
such as flooding and biodiversity loss.
In terms of tackling climate change, trees can help in a number of ways:
1. They are natural carbon absorption and storage mechanisms. They capture carbon dioxide from
the atmosphere and store this in their wood, leaves, and roots, thus slowing down the process of
global warming.
2. Because they provides shades ,trees help to save energy used for cooling which is particularly
important for urban environments.
3. Trees preserves oil and help to manage water cycles which lessens the effects of extreme weather
conditions such as droughts and floods.
The United Nations devised 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) back in 2015 with the
promise that achieving these goals would improve the great majority of people’s living standards.
Companies who have made the decision to include tree planting in their plan of action
demonstrate that they are prepared to contribute to the SDGs.
Let’s examine some of the advantages of tree planting for the SDGs in more detail:
No poverty and zero hunger (SDG 1 and 2)
More trees will aid the world’s poor, who mostly depend on farming and thus on fertile soil, by generating jobs, enhancing the land’s long-term capacity to generate
food and providing building materials, as well as securing various structures against severe
weather conditions.
Bringing damaged forests back to life can increase the level of food security leading to many
people being able to access nutrient-rich food.
Good health and well-being and clean water and sanitation (SDG 3 and 6)
Trees not only provide clean air but also ingredients for medicines. Moreover, they can lessen
people’s stress levels, support mental wellness, and lower the frequency and spread of diseases.
Millions of people suffer from a lack of safe water as a result of climate change, pollution and the
logging of forests whereas reforestation can improve this situation since trees act as natural water
filters.
Quality education and economic growth (SDG 4 and 8)
Knowledge of sustainable agroforestry is necessary for individuals who plan to plant trees. They
should know about different tree species, land usage, and other topics. So, planting trees is a
process that benefits the education of both adults and children.
Because education is important for future economic development, then tree planting and upkeep
could result in the creation of jobs in various sectors including forestry, horticulture, and
landscaping. Residential and commercial property values could rise, thanks to trees. Protected
woodlands and parks with lots of trees can draw visitors, bringing income for local companies.
Industry and infrastructure (SDG 9)
Deteriorating soil and a lack of proper maintenance have a negative impact on the land. Healthy
ecosystems, on
the other hand, can help. In certain situations, only reforestation can benefit diverse populations
by lowering the risk of one or several hazards such as flooding and landslides.
Sustainable cities and communities and climate action (SDG 11 and 13)
Trees can restore ecosystem functions in both urban and rural areas which provide cities with
food, water, electricity, and raw construction materials. In addition, urban resilience can be
increased by turning brownfield sites into forests which would also relieve pressure on
countryside habitats. Trees can also store harmful particle pollutants and GHGs, with one large
tree being able to absorb up to 40 kg of CO2 annually.
Life below water and on land (SDG 14 and 15)
Surface runoff and exhaust are just two examples of how everything
that occurs on land affects the oceans. Planting trees along coastlines for the management of
erosion and the prevention of storm surges can help to maintain the health of coastal ecosystems.
Since trees can remove toxins, they improve water quality which is beneficial for marine life. And
since forests represent a source of habitat for wildlife and act as a barrier against soil erosion,
they are essential in maintaining and/or regaining biodiversity
Peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16)
Humans must prioritise their fundamental existence when food supplies are scarce and the land
deteriorates. This can ultimately lead to conflict for limited resources
which in turn increases the pace of deforestation. Forest restoration can therefore prevent or
resolve such conflicts between communities.
Forests and Innovation
Innovation and technology have revolutionised forest monitoring, enabling countries to track and
report on their forests more effectively. A total of 13.7 billion tons of carbon dioxide forest
emission reductions or enhancements have been reported to the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change through transparent and innovative forest monitoring.
The theme for International Day of Forests 2024 is Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a
Better World.
The battle against deforestation requires new technological advancements. With 10 million
hectares lost annually due to deforestation and approximately 70 million hectares affected by
fires, these innovations are essential for early warning systems, sustainable commodity
production, and empowering Indigenous Peoples through land mapping and climate finance
access.
Additionally, ecosystem restoration, including reforestation efforts, can significantly contribute to
climate mitigation and enhance food security while pushing the boundaries of sustainable wood
products. and enhance food security while promoting sustainable wood products.
Forests and Innovation – New solutions for a Better World
Innovation is unlocking the forests’ long-kept secrets and allowing us to use trees in ways we
never imagined possible. Materials derived from forests and trees are being developed as
sustainable substitutes for plastics, building materials, fabrics, medicines and many other
everyday items. At the same time, rapidly evolving drone and satellite technology is helping us to
monitor and manage our forests, detect and fight fires and safeguard ecosystems.
Facts:
- Forest are home to 80 % of all know amphibian species.
- More than 30% of new diseases reported since 1960 are attributed to land use change, including deforestation.
- Forests contain over ½ the global carbon stock in soils and vegetation.
- An area roughly the equivalent of 14 million football pitches is lost per year to deforestation.
- Insect pests damage around 35 million hectares of forest annually.
- Forested watersheds and wetlands provide 75% of the world´s accessible freshwater.
Even though it is a fact that newly planted trees will never be exactly the same as those
previously cut down from the same spot, it is still feasible to support land recovery and bring back
lost forests so that they can once more house biodiversity, absorb carbon dioxide and filter water.
Every initiative requires a unique approach to restoration, and the best course of action depends,
for the most part, on the land’s history, current state, the way it is expected to be used, and the
potential effects of various stressors.
Plant for the Planet :
The plant for the Planet, Children and Youth initiative was launched in January 2007 after Wangari Maathai and the United Nations Environment Program had called to action via the “ Billion Tree Campaign “
“ Let’s plant one million trees in every country on Earth.”
The plant for the Planet, Children and Youth initiative was launched in January 2007 after Wangari Maathai and the United Nations Environment Program had called to action via the “ Billion Tree Campaign “
“ Let’s plant one million trees in every country on Earth.”