Why tree-planting AND environmental education?

It is well known that afforestation projects are a good way to increase the carbon sink capacity of our planet (2022 IPCC Report). However, the success of these projects undoubtedly relies on cooperation and inclusive decision making with local communities. We therefore believe that by combining environmental education with tree-planting, the communities involved in Global Forest Fund projects develop a sense of ownership, thereby ensuring the protection of the trees and hence long-term impact.

“Together we can succeed in fighting climate change, delivering resilient and inclusive growth, and halting and reversing forest loss and land degradation.”

(UN Climate Change Conference, UK 2021, Glasgow Leader’s Declaration on Forests and Land Use)

Projects run through the Global Forest Fund aim to provide children and youth in schools with environmental education throughout the school year, alongside hands-on tree-planting events that reinforce lessons learned in the classroom, while also involving the local community. The trees planted are always native species and of value to the community for the services they provide.

In this way, young people and their communities develop the tools and mindset to reduce their environmental impact long after the trees have been planted.