In Africa, where monoculture of cash crops is the order of the day, the Trees for the Future (TREES) project is a champion of change. This unique project is enthusing farmers to adopt forest gardens with a vast biodiversity to promote sustainability and fight against climate change.
TREES was founded in 2015 and has since reached a million tree plantings a year in nine African countries. TREES has restored over 41,000 hectares of land, which is approximately seven times the size of Manhattan. It has now received World Restoration Flagship recognition from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
TREES wants to transform agriculture and end poverty in the poorest countries. By 2030, almost 230,000 jobs will be created, and a stunning number of 1 billion trees will be planted, according to the project plan. This restoration commitment has brought many accolades from the head of UNEP, Inger Andersen, who has noted that it contributes to reversing ecosystem degradation and increasing climate resilience.
In contrast to the historical tree mass-planting campaigns, TREES will start with sustainable, regenerative agriculture. Through helping farmers who are going to forest farms, TREES will give the community the power to take care of the diverse ecosystems that provide food security, protection of soil health, and income.
The forest garden farming approach in Kesouma, Kenya, has been an example of how small-scale farmers have become better off. Provided with training, seeds, and tools, these farmers have finally managed to turn their plots into diverse ecosystems, including trees, vegetables, and fruits. Besides, the project-Catona Climate Partnership also offers the opportunity for carbon credit income.
With the approval of UNEP, TREES is ready for the stage of expansion of its reach. It aims to offer a scalable model of sustainable agriculture with a wide reach. The TREES project, through its continued growth, is the best example of how even small initiatives can change the world for the better, one tree at a time.
