APOPO HeroTREEs - a Climate-Smart Solution

APOPO is delighted to be updating you not just regarding the last quarter, but also regarding our success during the GlobalGiving Climate Action campaign, which ran just after the last update went out. With your incredible support, our HeroTREEs project came in at number seven in the leaderboard and raised just over $5,000! Thank you.

In terms of action, APOPO's HeroTREEs project has enabled the training of the following farmers by village (a total of 92 farmers received training!):

• 20 farmers at Ruvuma
• 24 Farmers at Mgambazi
• 20 farmers at Tulo
• 18 farmers at Choma
• 10 farmers at Kisosa

Training farmers is a key aspect of our HeroTREEs mission, as without adequate monitoring and maintenance of planted trees, nursery management or seedling transplantation, the trees planted cannot thrive.   

In terms of the trees planted in the last quarter, at least five species of trees were planted, with over 1,000 trees successfully going into the ground and now thriving!

Our plan for the next three months is to:

• Expand our nurseries and enhance biodiversity by planting more native seeds /seedlings as well as a small number of exotic tree species
• Take GPS measurements of farmers' plots with established trees, for increased monitoring
• Carry out follow up visits to the farmers, ensuring we have equipped them with everything they need for project success
• Prepare for tree-planting activities when the short rains begin (Sept-Oct)

Your support means more than planting trees and protecting the planet (which is pretty important we know!), your support also means that farmers learn how to better manage the land leading to sustainable change. Your support helps improve water quality for neighbouring villages and cities in Tanzania and indeed, your support protects the endemic species living in this ecologically important part of the world by protecting the habitats in which they thrive.

Thank you.

With best wishes,

Emma

Links:

• APOPO's HeroTREEs

Welcome to your quarterly report update on APOPO’s HeroTREEs program in Tanzania. Despite the global effects of Covid-19, our farmers remain working and are as committed as ever, to mitigating climate change and sustaining the important habitat of the Uluguru Mountains, part of the Eastern Arc range.

At least 25% of Tanzanians depend on the Eastern Arc Mountains for their water supply. The Eastern Arc is recognised internationally as an area with an exceptional concentration of unique plant and animal species.

Here’s your round up of the past few months – we couldn’t do what we do, without support such as yours, so thank you for making this possible!

APOPO’s project mission is to train local farmers and plant a total of 21,000 trees over five years. Working in partnership with Sustainable Agriculture Tanzania (SAT), training is being provided to local farmers working on the slopes of the Uluguru Mountains. This will result in reduced greenhouse gases from mature trees that are being planted, conservation of tropical forest, increased water quality and quantity, elimination of slash and burn agriculture, and an increase in the carbon content of the soil. 

In the last three months, partner SAT have trained 92 farmers in the following mountain villages:

• 20 farmers Ruvuma 
• 24 Farmers at Mgambazi
• 20 farmers at Tulo
• 18 farmers at Choma
• 10 farmers at Kisosa

This last quarter, they started work on a new tree nursery in Choma, where preparation and management of tree seedlings is ongoing. 

In December SAT carried out inspections of farms, assessing farmers for planting and maintaining trees as well as the caretaking of tree seedling nurseries. Over 85 farmers, our Tree Planting Heroes, proved eligible for payment showing that your donation has made an incredible difference, not only to the farmers and their families, but also to the local mountain communities in Tanzania, who will pass on this wisdom and care to future generations. Your contribution goes towards ensuring these trees can continue to grow and absorb carbon without the risk of being cut down. Thank you.

This week, APOPO's HeroTREEs is participating in GlobalGiving's Climate Action Appeal - donate today until Friday 23rd April 12pm EST and your donation will be doubled!

Links:

• APOPO HeroTREEs