Grow Trees and Offset Carbon with African Farmers

by High Atlas Foundation
Grow Trees and Offset Carbon with African Farmers
Grow Trees and Offset Carbon with African Farmers
Grow Trees and Offset Carbon with African Farmers
Grow Trees and Offset Carbon with African Farmers
Grow Trees and Offset Carbon with African Farmers
Grow Trees and Offset Carbon with African Farmers
Grow Trees and Offset Carbon with African Farmers
Grow Trees and Offset Carbon with African Farmers
Grow Trees and Offset Carbon with African Farmers
Grow Trees and Offset Carbon with African Farmers
Grow Trees and Offset Carbon with African Farmers
Grow Trees and Offset Carbon with African Farmers
Grow Trees and Offset Carbon with African Farmers
Grow Trees and Offset Carbon with African Farmers

Project Report | Dec 19, 2023
Cultivating Green Futures: A Journey with HAF's Tree Planting and Carbon Projects

By Essaid Meria | HAF Tree Monitoring Officer

I recently participated in a training program organized by the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) and the Acorn Foundation. This experience centered on tree planting and monitoring for carbon offset balance, positively impacting farmers and community members in rural Morocco.

Nurturing the Roots of Knowledge

Our training began at the HAF office in Marrakech, where 25 individuals gathered to practice effective data collection for the tree planting program. The day unfolded with a variety of practical lessons, setting the stage for a career of meticulous monitoring.

One key takeaway from day one was the emphasis on “ground truth” of data, crucial for trees exceeding 1.3 meters in height. We recorded vital data points like tree species, size, diameter at breast height, planting year, and pruning activities. We marked the trees we had already documented with chalk to prevent double counting.

For trees under 1.3 meters, we recorded different data points, including the number of similar trees, species, height, and planting year. Techniques for measuring various tree shapes were explored, emphasizing distinctions for standard trees, bent or forked trees, those with irregular diameters, and those on hills.

Setting up ground truth plots was a crucial aspect of our training. Placing corner sticks or flags at the center of a farmer’s plot and utilizing geotracing ensured accurate data collection.

Participant Interaction: A Valuable Exchange

This training session was not merely about acquiring knowledge; it served as a platform for participants to engage with each other and discuss various perspectives and local wisdom. The enthusiasm and commitment of all 25 participants was commendable. Exchanging ideas and experiences enriched our understanding of the project’s challenges and opportunities.

Applying Knowledge in the Field

On the second day, we translated the theoretical knowledge gained into practical application for the carbon offset project. Our destination was Akrich village in the Tameslouht municipality in the Marrakech region.

The day began with understanding and determining the points of a triangle, a crucial foundation for our fieldwork. Utilizing applications like Compass and SurveyCTO, we entered data to accurately define land plots.

Land division and geographical coordinates played a significant role in ensuring systematic data collection, enhancing the effectiveness of the carbon offset program. Visiting the Achbarou Women’s Cooperative deepened our understanding of their integral role in the community.

Our training concluded with a visit to the Akrich tree nursery and learning about the cultivated tree types and the nursery’s planting schedule.

Two Weeks of Intensive Field Training and Certification

The training continued for an intensive two-week session. Throughout this period, we honed our skills, conducted extensive fieldwork, and collaborated to ensure the success of the program. Ultimately, all 25 participants received certificates of success, celebrating our shared commitment and dedication to the sustainable development mission.

A Step Towards Success

These two weeks of training made significant strides towards the success of the tree planting and carbon offset program. The knowledge and skills acquired will empower us to contribute to these initiatives.

Share on Twitter Share on Facebook

About Project Reports

Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.

If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.

Sign up for updates

Organization Information

High Atlas Foundation

Location: New York, NY - USA
Website:
Facebook: Facebook Page
Twitter: @AtlasHigh
Project Leader:
Dr. Yossef Ben-Meir
President of the High Atlas Foundation
New York and Marrakech , New York and Marrakech Morocco
$176,163 raised of $200,000 goal
 
1,433 donations
$23,837 to go
Donate Now
lock
Donating through GlobalGiving is safe, secure, and easy with many payment options to choose from. View other ways to donate

High Atlas Foundation has earned this recognition on GlobalGiving:

Help raise money!

Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.

Start a Fundraiser

Learn more about GlobalGiving

Teenage Science Students
Vetting +
Due Diligence

Snorkeler
Our
Impact

Woman Holding a Gift Card
Give
Gift Cards

Young Girl with a Bicycle
GlobalGiving
Guarantee

Get incredible stories, promotions, and matching offers in your inbox

WARNING: Javascript is currently disabled or is not available in your browser. GlobalGiving makes extensive use of Javascript and will not function properly with Javascript disabled. Please enable Javascript and refresh this page.