2013

In 2013, the Global Forest Fund supported eighteen projects in Russia, Indonesia, Cyprus, The Bahamas, Malawi, India and Ghana.

Russia - Fighting Climate Change

Five schools in Russia completed tree-planting projects in their communities as part of a climate campaign. The projects brought together students, teachers, parents and other community members to improve their neighbourhoods. The schools also conducted seminars for the local community on the role trees play in minimising climate change.

The Bahamas - Community Awareness

Two schools in The Bahamas planted 70 native trees as part of a biodiversity project to create native plant gardens to act as outdoor learning spaces for the schools and communities. The schools organised an action day where the community was invited to tour the gardens and learn about native plants from expert speakers. The students from Forest Heights Academy also participated in a national radio PSA competition to raise awareness about native plant biodiversity.

Cyprus - Local Species, Local Needs

Three schools in Cyprus planted Mediterranean trees such as cypress, mastic, olive, lemon, orange, carob and laurel in schoolyards and natural areas. Students learned about Cypriot biodiversity and the adaptations of local species. The students who planted olive trees were also treated to a presentation on local olive oil production and got to visit an olive press.

Indonesia - The Role of the Urban Forest

Four schools in Indonesia planted a total of 250 local mango trees on their school grounds. The students then participated in educational activities to learn about the importance of urban forests and how local trees can provide healthy and nutritious food to urban areas.

Malawi - Trees as a Resource

Two schools in Malawi planted trees in their communities and learned about the value of trees as a renewable resource. The students were taught about the negative effects of deforestation and learned the ways tree planting benefits the community and environment. They sang songs to educate their villages about the value of trees as a source of timber, a way to improve the soil, and as habitat for wildlife that draws tourists.

Ghana - Local Engagement

The Wuntia Environmental Youth Network in Ghana empowered young people to improve their neighbourhoods with environmental community development projects. The projects also aimed at increasing local literacy levels through engagement with environmental issues. Local school children and teachers participated in community reforestation and clean-up projects and learned about environmental communication.

India - Human Rights and the Environment

In India, Arual Anander College organised tree planting projects along with a rally for human rights and environmental protection. Speakers at the rally stressed the link between forests and human welfare. Many trees were planted on the college campus and in the rural village of Poosaripatti.