We do not only help the environment by planting trees, we also bring hope to an entire community, providing jobs, foods, growth and independence to rural areas that are left behind. We employ people from the local villages to plant the trees and maintain them. We also educate and encourage them to grow and harvest their own food in the plantation. We have already planted more than 150.000 trees in a plantation of 400 hectares (the land has been donated by the local government).
Nigeria has the highest rate of deforestation in the world according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, having lost more than half of their primary forests. This does not only have negative implications on the environment (soil, biodiversity, wildlife, etc), but also social aspects regarding economic issues, agriculture, rural drift, hunger, quality of life, etc. People from the local villages without resources or opportunities are forced to go into cities.
By planting trees we not only help the environment, but we provide jobs and give the possibility to grow food in the plantation. Forests offer life, water, fruit, firewood, construction material and food for animals. Planting trees generates local jobs, income and food. We employ local workers from the community, generating decent jobs and a sense of responsibility. They prepare the land and take care of the trees and soil. In addition they plant and grow food for local consumption.
The project is based on the concept of self-reliance, with start-up financing until independence is ensured. The long term benefits for the environment are evident, as our goal is to reach 1.000.000 trees planted in the area. This will mean more opportunities and food production for the entire community. The agroforestry program will improve the living standards by generating good and creating awareness about tree planting, also helping to protect the forest environments and resources.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
