Alland & Robert’s Post

Massive tree planting in Tanzania started in 1967 by starting a campaign to plant trees in villages. The campaigns continued in the 1980s in areas affected by deforestation and soil erosion (Soil Conservation and Agroforestry Program, SCAPA; Soil Erosion Control and Agroforestry Project, SECAP), and to conserve land (Hifadhi Ardhi Dodoma, HADO; Hifadhi Ardhi Shinyanga, HASHI ; and Hifadhi Mazingira Iringa, HIMA). The projects and programs aimed to conserve land, water sources and restore degraded areas. Also, they were encouraging the planting of trees for fruit, firewood, wood, and other needs collection. In 2006, Tanzania implemented a strategy to reduce the damage of the environment and water sources (Urgent Action on Land Degradation and Water Catchment). This strategy targeted each district to plant 1,500,000 saplings per year and each household was required to plant at least 10 trees per year. During the celebrations of the International Day of Forests and National Tree Planting Day in Same district, Kilimanjaro region on March 21, 2024, The Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania Hon. Dr. Philip Isdor Mpango officially launched the National Guideline for Trees Planting and Conservation (Mwongozo wa Kitaifa wa Upandaji na Utunzaji wa Miti). This guideline has been prepared with the aim of explaining the best ways to plant and care for trees in various environments such as; recreational areas live, plantation, urban agriculture, road reserves, water source reserves, housing, and social service areas to combat the effects of climate change, conserve water sources, prevent soil erosion, improve living organisms habitats and ensure the availability of forest products. I invite you to read this guideline and share this information to stakeholders around the world to continue to conserving the environment and achieve sustainable development. WWF, The Nature Conservancy, Carbon Tanzania

Now one year( May 2023) since i participated in our first ever urban forestry Project in Kamuli Municipal council, Eastern Uganda funded by OneTreePlanted where we planted 4,000 trees in Schools, open urban spaces and roads/streets, thanks to IDEAS For Us for having linked IDEAS For Us-Uganda to the funder. Our project focused on identifying tree planting sites in the most vulnerable communities of the Municipality. Our education action was very widespread and inclusive, ensuring that it was public to everyone and that un-privileged members of the community got reached. The education focused on the project scope and covering relevant topics of climate change/action. We also considered the most vulnerable people when selecting the planting sites and the local monitoring team and how we could support those in need. This has and will bring about Environmental Justice and Tree equity for the Kamuli community.  Over 90% of the trees planted on the street locations were Ashoka. These trees are known for absorbing toxic gasses from the atmosphere hence cleaning the air. The trees will therefore contribute to reducing the impact of air pollution in Kamuli municipality. Future air quality measurements will quantify the impact of over 1,000 Ashoka trees planted on streets where a lot of traffic pollution is evident. Common diseases like cough, flu and other air pollution related infections are seen more prominently in neighborhoods located close to this road. From these plantings, we expect to reduce the number of airborne illnesses in Kamuli municipality residents in the near future as a result of the project.   The planted trees that grow to maturity will contribute to cooling the temperatures up to 40% in the Municipality through trapping greenhouse gasses and providing shade, therefore reducing the heat index. Rains will also stabilize in the municipality as a result of increased tree cover hence stabilizing the climate. The fruit trees planted will also provide fresh fruits that will be available for the community. These foods will work to boost people’s health by providing vitamins. Up to 11,000 people’s health will be positively impacted and this will be measured through spot surveys and reports from local health facilities in future showing trends of diseases before and after the project. Over thirty (30) Women were directly involved in the project especially from launch, planting and maintenance activities. These women were as active as other volunteers and leaders depending on the specific leadership roles they play in their community. For example, the Municipality Environment officer, District Forest officer, Municipality assistant Town clerk (head of technical team), Kamuli general Hospital administrator, Busota Health Centre III In-charge are all Women and were involved in the project. Other women also participated specifically in planting in the ready holes, watering the plants and supplying food to volunteers.

Happy International Forest Day! 💚 We would like to use this day to introduce you to our work in Uganda. Rains and droughts caused by global warming are threatening livelihoods of communities in Uganda. These events in combination with a growing population in need of agricultural land and wood have resulted in a large loss of forests.🌳 Because of these challenges, we empower smallholder farmers locally to earn a living by reforesting degraded land. To do so, we use a holistic agroforestry approach - planting trees intercropped with fruits, vegetables and food crops on the same plot: agriculture + forestry. In addition to the ecological benefits, this approach also has economic advantages for the smallholder farmers. 🌿🥭 First, in our Farmer Field Schools, farmers are taught theoretical and practical knowledge about agroforestry, including the planting and growing of the trees. They then receive seedlings appropriate to the size of their land, which we grow in our own nurseries. Every year, we distribute around 100.000 seedlings to farmers. 🌱 Then we continuously monitor each tree to check how well the seedlings are developing in certain locations. This allows us to distribute the appropriate tree species to the most suitable areas and work more effectively each year. Some trees are also planted as a source of wood. They are harvested to be used as sustainable and CO2-binding building material, for example. We also built our Timber Innovation Center in the heart of Kampala for this purpose and to showcase less harmful materials than concrete and steal. The Timber Innovation Center is now not just an example for sustainable forestry, but also a place for training and exchanging new ideas of a growing network for reforestation and sustainable timber construction methods in Uganda. 🪵 By collaborating with a large network of local institutions and events, we make our work visible to more people.✨ Check out the video, to get the full impression. #fairventures #forestday #trees #planting #reforestation #seedling #agroforestry #climate #farmer

🎉 To be successful, an initiative must touch the hearts of the people, inspire them to take actions and become agents of change. I saw first-hand how the mangrove protection and restoration we initiated in Ogan Komering Ilir (OKI) Regency, South Sumatra Province, has inspired the Head of Musi Watershed Management Agency (BPDAS Musi), Simpang Tiga Jaya-Abadi Village Governments, Social Forestry Group, Bintang Ratu Women’s Group, and primary teachers during a visit on 19-21 Feb 2024. Their 👨👨👧👧 faces lit up when they described the success they achieved and the challenges they overcame. They should be proud of those achievements considering the major challenges faced. South Sumatra is home to the 2nd largest mangroves in Sumatra Island, spanning over 171,629 ha (MoEF, 2021). In the last 30 years, 22K ha of mangroves have been converted, primarily to establish 🦐 shrimp & 🐟 milkfish ponds (YKAN, 2023). Around 80% (39K ha) of those ponds are located in the coastal areas of OKI. Unfortunately, the productivity of those ponds was low which put pressure on the community livelihoods and the remaining mangroves. Understanding the importance of mangroves in protecting OKI's coasts, YKAN is forging an alliance called the Mangrove Ecosystem Restoration Alliance (MERA). We are grateful for the support of Temasek Foundation, APP Group, and UBS Optimus Foundation which has enabled us to support key stakeholders since 2021 in: · Establishing the South Sumatera Mangrove Task Force (KKMD), legalized by the Governor’s decree (2022), · Formulating an integrated provincial mangrove management plan (2023), · Establishing 2 pilot ponds, using a shrimp-carbon aquaculture (SECURE) approach on 8.5 ha, where farmers expect to get the same yield in a smaller area while the remaining pond area is converted to healthy mangroves, · Building a pilot mangrove restoration model on 50 ha of abandoned ponds, · Supporting 2 groups in securing 35-year social forestry licenses covering a total of 483 ha, · Empowering a women's group in producing mangrove-friendly products, such as milkfish floss and Nipah cookies, · Increasing awareness of teachers, primary students, and journalists the importance of 🌳 mangroves. 🙏 Thank you so much, Pak Boon Heong Ng, Pak HockChuan Lim Chuan Lim, Shruthi Kumar (ശ്രുതി കുമാർ), Geraldine Lek (Temasek Foundation); Jasmine Natalia Prihartini Doloksaribu, Lidia Rochmania, & Acok Nuryadi (APP Group). We appreciate your time to understand the ecological & social context of our work, as well as your inputs to strengthen the spirit of our agents of change in protecting & restoring mangroves and ensuring the local community benefits from it. Thank you for arranging this great and fun trip Mariski Nirwan, Tomi Prasetyo Wibowo, Yoseph Wihartono, and Martha Silalahi. 📖 about Mangrove Protection & Restoration in OKI https://shorturl.at/hkpX2 https://shorturl.at/goqw8 https://shorturl.at/bcIR2 https://shorturl.at/cAEL4 https://shorturl.at/lzJSU

Have you heard about the Great Green Wall of Africa? We need more positive stories, more examples of the beautiful future we could create for humanity and the planet ❤️ This is one of them and it doesn't get talked about enough! Listen to my conversation with Patrick Worms on the Deep Seed podcast to learn more. ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ If you are interested in supporting or donating to organisations actively working to make this beautiful project come to life, here is a selection: Global Environment Facility : Provides grants for land restoration and sustainable agriculture projects in the Sahel to support the Great Green Wall’s goals. SOS SAHEL International France: Focuses on community-based projects to combat desertification, improve food security, and enhance livelihoods in the Sahel. IUAF International Union for Agroforestry: Promotes agroforestry practices to increase biodiversity, regenerate degraded lands, and support local farmers in the Great Green Wall region. Justdiggit : Specializes in regreening and water conservation techniques to restore degraded lands in Africa, particularly in the Sahel. Sahel Eco : Works to empower local communities with natural regeneration and sustainable agroforestry to combat land degradation in Mali. Tree Aid: Supports local communities in the Sahel with tree planting and agroforestry projects to boost resilience and food security. CIFOR - Center for International Forestry Research - CIFOR-ICRAF : Conducts scientific research and community-driven projects to promote sustainable land use and forest restoration in the Sahel. Reforest'Action : A social enterprise that engages in reforestation projects to restore biodiversity and combat desertification in the Great Green Wall area. WeForest : Focuses on forest landscape restoration in countries like Ethiopia and Senegal, contributing to the broader goals of the Great Green Wall. With love, Raphael Esterhazy

Armenian Weekly, "ATP kicks off massive fall tree planting to secure Armenia’s green future,” by Armenia Tree Project, 10/9/2024, https://lnkd.in/eCnHDWXa "Armenia Tree Project (ATP) is gearing up for one of its most crucial tree-planting seasons yet. With climate change and environmental degradation threatening ecosystems globally, ATP’s mission has never been more urgent or vital. This fall, ATP is set to plant an impressive 330,000 trees, bringing them closer to their ambitious yearly target of 800,000 trees across the country. "Already, ATP has planted 505,000 trees in the spring alone, through its robust Community Tree Planting and Forestry programs. This season’s planting efforts will focus on key areas of Armenia, including the picturesque regions of Koghes and Urasar in Lori, Lernanist in Kotayk, Gavar Town in Gegharkunik, and the Didonian Memorial Forest in the Mets Sariar Community, Shirak Region… "But this isn’t just about trees — it’s about people. ATP’s tree-planting season is powered by local communities. By hiring 200 additional seasonal workers from nearby villages, ATP will create much-needed job opportunities, bringing its total workforce to 500+ seasonal planters this year. Many of these workers plant trees with their families, turning each tree into a symbol of shared hope and resilience… "This community-driven approach doesn’t just reforest the land — it rebuilds bonds and fosters local pride, reinforcing ATP’s philosophy that a greener Armenia is one that supports its people, economically and socially… "In a world increasingly grappling with climate change, deforestation and the loss of biodiversity, Armenia’s reforestation efforts are more important than ever. Each tree planted by ATP contributes to a healthier, greener future — not just for Armenia, but for the global fight against climate change. "With the goal of planting at least 800,000 trees this year, ATP is calling on supporters, environmental advocates and media outlets to spotlight their work. By sharing these stories of impact, together we can help secure a more sustainable future." Armenia Tree Project - https://lnkd.in/eneYda4b

🌐🌲 New Zealand's Planting Numbers Off as New Government Bets Big on Tree Offsets 🚨 New Zealanders have until August 21, 2024, to submit their responses to the draft emissions reduction plan. The Luxon government heavily relies on forest sequestration as a key strategy to meet climate targets, promoting it as the best "low-cost method" for achieving these goals. 🔍 Key Insights: 1️⃣ Discrepancy in Planting Numbers: New Zealand’s tree planting numbers are falling significantly short of the government’s projections for 2024. According to James Treadwell, president of New Zealand’s Institute of Foresters, current planting is about half of what was projected, raising concerns about further declines next year. 2️⃣ Regulatory Focus: The draft emissions reduction plan, published by Climate Change Minister Simon Watts, emphasises forest sequestration as a “least-cost” net emissions approach. While the plan acknowledges the risks associated with relying on forestry, it underscores the economic benefits of using exotic trees like pine trees over more aggressive emission cuts. 3️⃣ Industry Concerns: While welcoming the government's focus on emission reductions, Mr Treadwell advocates for a more realistic approach to afforestation targets and more precise guidelines on restrictions. He stresses the need for transparency and accurate forecasting to ensure that afforestation efforts are not hindered and that New Zealand can effectively meet its climate objectives. 🪵 The draft plan highlights that New Zealand has maximum emissions budgets set for each year until 2035, with a gradual reduction from 71 million tonnes this year to 49 million tonnes by 2035. However, projections indicate that New Zealand will be significantly over budget from 2031 to 2035, partly due to policy changes under the current government. 🔗 Learn more about New Zealand’s planting numbers and the implications of the new emissions reduction plan: https://lnkd.in/gGj8xkR4 (https://lnkd.in/gGj8xkR4) 🗣️ #questionforgroup: How can countries balance the need for cost-effective climate strategies with the risks of relying on forestry offsets? What measures can ensure that afforestation targets are realistic and achievable? Share your insights. 💬 Join the conversation on sustainable climate strategies, regulatory impacts, and the future of afforestation. #emissionsreduction #climatechange #forestry #afforestation #sustainability #nz #environmentalpolicy #woodcentral #climateaction #treeplanting #carbonoffsets #governmentpolicy #woodcentralau1

Cocoa production has significant implications for forest conservation. Let’s explore this further: Deforestation and the Cocoa Industry: The cocoa industry is a major driver of deforestation worldwide, particularly in West Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. Human rights violations and the loss of important wildlife habitat are frequent outcomes of cocoa farming. Factors like increasing global demand for cocoa products, uncertain land ownership, poverty among farmers, and a lack of regulation contribute to the expansion of cocoa farms into forests. Agroforestry and Reforestation: Agroforestry practices, where cocoa is planted alongside other trees, can promote ecosystem conservation and forest restoration. For example, in Colombia, 40% of cocoa is grown through alternative development programs that substitute illicit crops with cocoa. Initiatives like Cocoa Life assist farmers in planting new tree seedlings, aiding reforestation while increasing household income through food crops. This strategy helps mitigate climate change and promotes forestry. In summary, sustainable cocoa production involves balancing economic needs with forest conservation efforts. By adopting agroforestry practices and promoting responsible cocoa sourcing, we can protect forests and livelihoods simultaneously.

🌐🌲 New Zealand's Planting Numbers Off as New Government Bets Big on Tree Offsets 🚨 New Zealanders have until August 21, 2024, to submit their responses to the draft emissions reduction plan. The Luxon government heavily relies on forest sequestration as a key strategy to meet climate targets, promoting it as the best "low-cost method" for achieving these goals. 🔍 Key Insights: 1️⃣ Discrepancy in Planting Numbers: New Zealand’s tree planting numbers are falling significantly short of the government’s projections for 2024. According to James Treadwell, president of New Zealand’s Institute of Foresters, current planting is about half of what was projected, raising concerns about further declines next year. 2️⃣ Regulatory Focus: The draft emissions reduction plan, published by Climate Change Minister Simon Watts, emphasises forest sequestration as a “least-cost” net emissions approach. While the plan acknowledges the risks associated with relying on forestry, it underscores the economic benefits of using exotic trees like pine trees over more aggressive emission cuts. 3️⃣ Industry Concerns: While welcoming the government's focus on emission reductions, Mr Treadwell advocates for a more realistic approach to afforestation targets and more precise guidelines on restrictions. He stresses the need for transparency and accurate forecasting to ensure that afforestation efforts are not hindered and that New Zealand can effectively meet its climate objectives. 🪵 The draft plan highlights that New Zealand has maximum emissions budgets set for each year until 2035, with a gradual reduction from 71 million tonnes this year to 49 million tonnes by 2035. However, projections indicate that New Zealand will be significantly over budget from 2031 to 2035, partly due to policy changes under the current government. 🔗 Learn more about New Zealand’s planting numbers and the implications of the new emissions reduction plan: https://lnkd.in/gGj8xkR4 🗣️ #questionforgroup: How can countries balance the need for cost-effective climate strategies with the risks of relying on forestry offsets? What measures can ensure that afforestation targets are realistic and achievable? Share your insights. 💬 Join the conversation on sustainable climate strategies, regulatory impacts, and the future of afforestation. #emissionsreduction #climatechange #forestry #afforestation #sustainability #nz #environmentalpolicy #woodcentral #climateaction #treeplanting #carbonoffsets #governmentpolicy #woodcentralau1

Why is it so important to prioritize local engagement and equitable benefits in forestry projects? Because forests do well if people do well. Resilient communities and healthy ecosystems go hand in hand — and restoring our planet means developing projects with both social and ecological integrity. Let's collaborate for a greener, more sustainable future. Read more: https://refore.st/4a2Qe80