Worldwide restoration projects
🇧🇷 Brazil
Project Period: 2012
Where? Among others, in Belém in the northeast of the country
How many trees? 75,000 crop and fruit trees
In 2012 Plant-for-the-Planet began supporting Arme Menschen e.V. (Poor People Association) in collaboration with Associação de Formação e Incentivo para o Nordeste Karente to plant trees in the North East of Brazil. The idea was to supply the nurseries from regional farmers with tree seedlings of fruit and tree crops that grow well in the region, such as cashew, Pinha or graviola. Planted in the field, small trees need 1-2 years to develop to the extent that the first fruits can be harvested. During this time, the farmers take care of the irrigation and protection of their seedlings. Once it is harvested, the families in the communities will then have the option of either increase their livelihood by selling the fruit or to supply their children and families with healthier food and natural products. The crops are used to make poles for fences or animal feed. In addition, trees provide shade for humans and animals. Through a special kind of crops a problem in beekeeping can also be solved: in the dry season, the bees will often find no food, since many trees have no blossoms during this period. Therefore, in the reforestation project, trees are brought up that unfold its full bloom only during the dry months.
🇨🇩 Congo - Kinshasa
Project Period: 2012
Where? In the regions of Luhwinja, Burhinyi, Kaziba, Walungu, Katana and Iko
How many trees? 24,000 native trees
The second largest tropical woodland in the world is located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, certain areas here, especially in the province of Kivu in the east of Congo, are classified as “extreme wood shortage areas” owing to overexploitation of the timber. The reforestation project carried out by Plant-for-the-Planet in collaboration with our local partner organisation, helps to combat the devastating effects of deforestation and erosion of the now bare hillsides. In the regions Burhinyi and Luhwinja, southwest of Bukava, more than 1 million trees have already been planted with help from the local population. The goal is to have 20 square km of land reforested. In 2008/2009 our partner in the Democratic Republic of the Congo also supported an activity called „100.000-Trees-Project“. In Burhinyi, Luhwinja, Kaziba (in the west of the province Kivu), in Katana, on the outskirts of the Kahuzie-Biega-National park and on the island Idjwi in the Kivuseem, seedlings were grown in local tree nurseries before being planted by many locals. This project combines efforts for global climate justice, with local environmental protection and action for the local population in an exemplary way.
🇨🇷 Costa Rica
Project Period: 2009 - 2010
Where? District of Pocosol de San Carlos in the province of Alajuela
How many trees? 40,000 trees
In the north of Costa Rica, Plant-for-the-Planet, with the support of a planting partner, is reforesting former pastureland with teak trees and other precious woods in mixed stands. The planting area is located in the district of Pocosol de San Carlos in the province of Alajuela. A large part of the seedlings, which are reforested for Plant-for-the-Planet, are used to create so-called "living fences", which replaces the previous fencing of the reforestation areas of a finca. A tree is planted at a distance of 30 cm from each other, thus preventing the intrusion of free-roaming cattle.
In addition to Swietenia macrophylla, Dalbergia retusa, Anacardium excelsum, Vochysia guatemalensis and Acacia mangium, the preferred tree species include the Central American forest almond tree or "almendro" (Dipteryx panamensis), whose almond-shaped fruits are essential for the survival of the endangered great soldier macaw (Ara ambiguus).
A total of 40,000 trees have been reforested in Costa Rica so far.
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Project Period: 2008 - 2009
Where? Pinchincha Province (Puerto Quito County)
How many trees? 28,800 native trees
Plant-for-the-Planet has another project in Ecuador in the province of Pinchincha, about 130 km west of the capital city, Quito. Gregor Hintler, a student from Germany who spent a year abroad in Ecuador and who has played a significant role in building up our student initiative, started this project in 2009. Together with locals, more than 28,000 trees have been planted. While there, Gregor worked closely with Sr. Edwin Bustamante, an environmental engineer from Ecuador who has since taken over as the leader of the project.
🇮🇳 India
Project Period: 2014
Where? Sirumalai Hills
How many trees? 170,163 of different tree species, mainly Grevilleas
Together with our long-term planting partner, we are reforesting trees in the Sirumalai Hills, north of the city of Madurai. The trees are planted by students and teachers from different schools as part of school projects. In addition to climate and landscape protection, the project thus contributes to environmental education. During the planting campaign, the participating children and young people are educated about the climate crisis and taught how to deal with their environment in a sustainable way. The trees provide shade for the population during hot periods and ensure fresh and cool air. Different tree species are planted, but mainly silver oaks (Silver Oak Tree). The seedlings come from the Vadipatti Nursery near Sirumalai. The fertile land of Sirumualai Hill is used by the local people for organic farming, as well as for the cultivation and research of traditional medicinal plants. The area is also a popular recreational area.
🇲🇾 Malaysia
Project Period: 2009 - 2012
Where? Kuala Gula, Matang Forest Reserve
How many trees? 590.000 Mangroves and Intsia (i.a.)
SMK Teloi Kanan School in Kuala Ketil, Malaysia is planting mangrove and merbau seedlings for Plant-for-the-Planet in Asia. The school project began in 2006 when the school joined the UNEP Billion Tree Campaign and continues today. Students from Teloi Kanan Secondary School, other local schools and local fishermen are among those involved in the planting activities. The cooperation continues in the long term and has been extended to other Asian countries since 2013.
The trees are planted, among others, in Kuala Gula, about 220 km from the school. Kuala Gula forms part of the Matang Forest Reserve, which is one of the few remaining tidal flats and mangrove forests. Fishing is an important economic activity for the local community, as Kuala Gula is a small fishing village that provides fresh clams, crabs, shrimp and fish. Kuala Gula is also an important migratory route for birds. Migratory birds use the region to fly between northern breeding grounds and southern wintering grounds, in warmer regions. It is home to several resident waterfowl and supports globally threatened bird species such as spoon-billed sandpiper, Asian dowitcher, black-headed ibis and Chinese egret. Kuala Gula's mangrove forests also provide refuge for globally threatened mangrove pitta, black-bellied malkoha, chestnut-breasted malkoha, and cinnamon-headed green pigeon.
The school plants mangrove trees because these trees are important in defending against sea storms and tsunamis. The term mangrove refers to plants that grow in salty or saline waters, in the intertidal zone and coastal areas. Mangroves provide an important breeding ground for fish, crabs, crayfish, and crustaceans, which are a major source of local food. Mangroves act as windbreaks against strong winds and waves, thus providing natural coastal protection. They also prevent erosion. The trees serve as pools for nutrients and sediments. The nutrients remain in the mangroves, where they promote the growth of other organisms. Mangroves thus support a variety of endangered wildlife and the diversity of plant life, some of which has great medicinal value or has yet to be discovered and explored. Trees are planted on community land and care and long-term maintenance is provided by our planting partner. Seedlings that have not developed well are replaced regularly. Beyond the reforestation collaboration, plans are underway to conduct several Plant-for-the-Planet Academies during the planting phases.
🇳🇦 Namibia
Project Period: 2008-2010
Where? Oshana, Oshikoto, Omusati and Ohangwena regions in northern Namibia
How many trees? 50,000 native fruit and shade trees
From 2008 to 2010 Plant-for-the-Planet has also been planting trees in Namibia in collaboration with an experienced partner organisation there. The fascinating landscape of Namibia must be protected from impending destruction and desertification. Large areas in the northwest have already suffered from extensive deforestation and environmental degradation. To counteract this, Plant-for-the-Plant is working to plant fruit trees and shady trees in Ondangwa and also mango trees in the Ontananga plot. Seedlings are grown and cared for by the local partner organisation.
🇵🇭 Philippines
Project Period: 2014
Where? Bayug Island, Illigan City
How many trees? 813,143 trees, mainly Mangroves
Our planting partner for Asia is planting mangroves in the Philippines for Plant-for-the-Planet. Mangroves serve as important protection against sea storms and tsunamis. They also absorb large amounts of CO2. Local school classes reforest together with volunteers in Bayug Island, Illigan City.
