Author: Vironica Arnila

One Woman’s Story: Ratiyem the Farmer and Devoted Housewife

In Indonesia, social convention often dictates that a women’s place is in the home. But Ratiyem doesn’t care about convention. This 46-year-old farmer from Gunungsari Village in Kebumen, Central Java believes women have a right to work and follow their dreams. During her life, she has taken a long, hard road to independence.

Nothing ever came easy for Ratiyem. Trapped in a cycle of poverty from an early age, her education was cut short when her family couldn’t pay the school fees. Ever since then, she’s been working hard to make ends meet. As a teenager, she took a job as a housemaid in Semarang, 170 kilometers away from her home and family.

She worked hard in the big city for more than 10 years, but always felt like it wasn’t where she was meant to be. “I liked working in Semarang, because I could make a living,” explains Ratiyem. “But if I kept working there, there would be no-one to take care of my kids and my husband. I knew I had to return to my village,” she added.

A woman’s work is never done

After returning to her village, Ratiyem was determined to provide for her children with the education she never had. Together with her husband, she put her time, her heart and soul into working the soil.

“I had a field measuring about 500 sqm and thought I could make some money by planting cassava and taro, as they’re always in high demand,” she explains. “My happiest moment as a farmer came when harvesting that first crop and the price was good. It made all the effort worthwhile.”

Ratiyem balances her work as a farmer with her role as a mother and member of her community. “Early in the morning, after taking care of breakfast and getting the kids ready for school, I walk around the village to collect grass for my cattle. Then, I tend to my field and nurture the growing plants.”

Growing stronger through the tree-planting program

In 2022, Ratiyem was contacted by Trees4Trees, who invited her to become a grower for a tree-planting program in collaboration with Hong Kong – based TREE Ltd. Through this program, she received free seedlings and organic fertilizer, and was able to develop her farming skills with access to new knowledge.

“I received 200 trees, including sengon, suren, and coffee,” remembers Ratiyem, who believes her own personal development will soon be reflected in the growth of her crops and the increased income it brings. “Being part of this program has provided me with a wealth of new farming knowledge through training, especially organic farming methods. This knowledge has made a big difference, as it guides farmers like me in managing our fields more effectively,” she added.

The importance of independence

Ratiyem takes great pleasure in being close to nature, living off the land she was born in. “Unlike the big city, where I had to buy all my food, here my fields provide me with everything I need,” she says, before adding that in her role as farmer she also has a responsibility to support food security.

Through the Trees4Trees program, Ratiyem hopes to provide food for her community and earn extra income to support her family. Looking to the future, she wants to put more food on more tables, by starting up a catering business with ingredients sourced directly from her field.

“I want to continue working and being productive,” she explains. “To me, it’s vital for women to work and generate income, so we don’t just rely on men to meet daily expenses. As working women, we can play a role in supporting the family financially,” she added.

For Ratiyem and the many women farmers like her, independence means more than just following your own path. It is about overcoming obstacles, leading by example, and doing whatever it takes to provide for those who rely on you. With support from Trees4Trees, inspirational women like Ratiyem will continue to be a source of pride to their families and leaders in their communities.

Green Harmony: 6 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day Surrounded by Greenery

Every day presents an opportunity to support our environment, but Earth Day calls for something special. Observed annually on April 22nd, Earth Day signifies global unity for environmental protection. April also isn’t just about Earth Day; it’s Earth Month, dedicated to promoting environmental preservation.

While this moment often focuses on raising awareness about safeguarding our surrounding environment, we believe celebrating Earth Day is more than that—it’s about taking action. It’s also not just about doing eco-friendly activities during the celebration; it’s about committing to sustainable habits every day.

Below, we present ideas to celebrate Earth Day in harmony with trees and greenery, honoring their essential role as the foundation of life on Earth. These suggestions can be seamlessly integrated into your daily habits and lifestyle, spanning from activities at home to outdoor endeavors. Let’s take steps to protect them!

Embracing green hobbies at home

Contributing to a heathier planet can be done from home by embracing green hobbies. It offers a profound connection to the Earth while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of nature in the comfort of your own space. You can dig into the soil, start gardening, and cultivating vegetables, fruits, or ornamental plants and flowers.

You can also get creative with eco-friendly art projects using materials from nature like fallen leaves, twigs, and flowers. Create unique décor pieces such as wall hangings and room accents while respecting and preserving the environment.

Green Harmony: 6 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day — Photo: Pexel

Engaging sport within nature

Discovering serenity in nature while nurturing your health is one of the best activities to partake in during Earth Month. Immerse yourself in outdoor activities like mountain hiking, forest jogging, or outdoor yoga to enhance both your physical and mental well-being, while deepening your connection to nature. It can also be easily integrated into our daily lifestyle.

Commit to growing trees, not just planting

Planting trees may be simple but growing them requires commitment. Committing to plant and nurture trees until they mature is crucial for better supporting our Earth. As we know, mature trees offer immense benefits, from carbon capture to supporting biodiversity and stimulating local economies. Choose for growing native trees to enhance biodiversity habitats.

If space is limited, consider donating trees with us. We’ll not only plant them on your behalf, but also ensure their thriving growth, enriching the environment. We also partner with local tree growers from the community, bolstering local economies with every tree planted. Whether you plant and grow trees solo or join our initiative, it’s a meaningful way to support our Earth better.

Be a responsible consumer to environment

When you’re buying nature-based items, such as forest products like honey, wooden furniture, or paper, prioritize products that are responsibly sourced and don’t harm forests or the environment. Look for labels that verify this.

We are excited to share that products with the Trees4Trees hang tag indicate responsible manufacturing practices, as Trees4Trees plants a tree for each item produced. If you’re a business owner needing environmentally friendly verification for your products, consider teaming up with us to plant trees. Contact us for more information! Contact us to learn more!

Leisure time surrounded by greenery

Spend leisure time in nature for proven physical and mental health benefits. Whether strolling through a nearby park or forest bathing, it’s a serene way to celebrate Earth Day, reducing stress, anxiety, and boosting your immune system. Find a forested area to immerse yourself in the natural setting, surrounded by trees, and listen to the soothing sounds of nature.

Volunteering and applying tree-planting practices

Help maintain forest density by participating in tree-planting events. Thicker forest cover means more carbon sequestration. Volunteer to learn proper tree-planting techniques and contribute to reforestation efforts. Afterwards, you can apply the techniques and knowledge to plant trees in your surroundings to sustain the practice sustainably.

If you’re interested in hosting a tree-planting event with your community, you can also organize one with us to green our Earth. Contact us for more information!

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UPS: Delivering Positive Environment Impacts

Search for Setu District on Google Earth, and the satellite throws up a lonely patch of green, squeezed between Bogor and the two major industrial centers of Jakarta and Bekasi.

In recent years, the forested fringes of Setu have been giving way to new residential areas, shopping centers, buildings, and other infrastructure projects. The roads are increasingly clogged with cars, chugging to work in a cloud of petrol fumes.

But solutions are on the way. Working in collaboration with Trees4Trees and the International Tree Foundation, the United Parcel Service (UPS) recently began a tree-planting program in Setu District that is bringing a breath of fresh air back to this important buffer zone.

UPS contributions to the global sustainability movement

On March 9, 2024, UPS set up camp at Hobbit Hills Eco Village for their second Indonesian tree planting project in the past year. According to Maya Sarininta, General Manager of UPS Indonesia, the latest initiative reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to environmental improvement.

Maya Sarininta, General Manager of UPS Indonesia, leads the way in the company’s recent tree-planting activities

“This tree-planting event is part of our global sustainability program, which aims to plant 50 million trees worldwide by 2030,” said Maya during the event at Hobbit Hills. “Last year, we planted 1,200 mangroves in the coastal area of Jakarta. This year, we will continue the tree-planting program by planting various trees in terrestrial areas to enhance Jakarta’s buffer zone. We hope to plant more trees next year with the participation of our staff, working towards our global goal,” she added.

The many benefits of an urban forest

UPS’ program successfully planted 600 trees, comprising eight different species that will eventually grow into a new urban forest. These include local hardwood trees such as jabon, sengon, suren, and trembesi, which provide shade and can even help reduce temperatures in urban areas.

Multi-purpose trees like durian, petai, and clove were also planted at the site. These trees support the environment by sucking up carbon dioxide, while also helping keep a lid on pollution and heat. Even better, their fruits can provide local communities with sustainable new livelihoods.

Pandu Budi Wahono is Trees4Trees Program Manager. Speaking at the event, he noted that all partners involved in the project were excited about the long-term changes a bit of green could bring to the neighborhood. “We hope all the trees planted today on this farm will be properly nurtured and beneficial to the next generation, particularly in this area,” said Pandu.

The GM of UPS Indonesia (left) receives a tree-planting certificate from Trees4Trees Program Manager (right)

It takes a village: Working together for a greener future

The tree-planting event brought together staff from UPS and Hobbit Hills Eco Village, along with members of the local community as volunteers. “We involved UPS staff from all departments and invited families, including children, who were eager to join,” explained Mohammed Akbar, Chief of Community UPS Indonesia who was the tree-planting event coordinator.

“I planted over ten trees today,” giggled Misha, one of several children who joined in. “It was exciting to know the correct ways to plant trees, and of course, to get my hands dirty without any complaints from my mom! I hope I can come back here to pick their fruits,” she added.

UPS staff and their families learn how to plant trees using a sustainable, organic approach.

Misha’s Mom, Ira, is a member of UPS Indonesia staff. She believes kids should be engaged in environmental education from a young age. “I brought my two children here to teach them about nature, how trees give us life and essential elements like oxygen. It’s crucial for the next generation to learn and contribute to nature preservation,” said Ira.

A UPS staff member planted trees with her children. Involving children in the tree-planting event as volunteers was part of the early education to introduce the importance of protecting nature and planting trees to the next generation

The latest tree planting program from UPS is a small part of their global sustainability goals. “UPS supports any environmental movement that makes a positive impact on the environment, especially efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat global warming for a better future,” noted Farah, the UPS Co Chief of Community who was the assistance coordinator of the tree-planting event at the end of a long day’s planting on Hobbit Hill Eco Village.

From Setu District to the rest of West Java, UPS Indonesia is working to positively impact communities and the environment as part of their global sustainability commitments. Through fruitful partnerships with Trees4Trees and the International Tree Foundation, UPS is determined to deliver on its green initiative.

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How do Trees Help Conserve Water on Earth?

(Conserve Water) Water is fundamental for humans and all living creatures. While trees are key players in maintaining water cycles and supplies. They capture rainwater, mitigating natural disasters like floods and landslides. Consequently, the tree cover within healthy forests is crucial for preserving water resources, as it positively impacts the quantity, quality, and filtration of water. Forests help control the water cycle by managing the rainfall, water evaporation, and how it flows through the environment.

So how exactly do trees help in conserving water, ensuring water availability on Earth, and support our life?

Incredible ways of trees in conserving and managing water

Trees’ intricate root system removes pollutants and slows the water absorption into the ground. As the result, this process prevents soil erosion near water. It also reduces the risk of sedimentation and floods.
By mitigating soil erosion and prevent sediment from infiltrating storm drains and streams, trees help to clean and enhance water quality.
Trees manage rainwater by intercepting rainfall in their leaves, preventing water runoff, absorbing and stabilizing stream banks with their roots.
According to the Food and Agriculture Association of the United Nations, a mature evergreen tree can intercept more than 15,000 litres of water every year.
When rain falls through the tree canopy, it soaks into the ground and is absorbed by the tree roots. This helps to add soil capacity to hold more stormwater.
The layers of forest canopy, branches, and roots store and release water vapor, which influence rainfall patterns.

However, when deforestation occurs, this natural water cycle process is disrupted. Sediment flows into streams, polluting the water. Without dense and healthy tree covers which control water evaporation, irregular rainfall patterns may occur, leading to droughts and floods. Consequently, this exacerbates water scarcity and environmental degradation.

Read more: 7 Forests Facts You Need to Know

Trees for Water Conservation

The rich tapestry of biodiversity in Indonesia—our working area—offers a diverse range of tree species, some of which are essential for water conservation. These species excel in dry conditions, thanks to their deep root systems, drought tolerance, and ability to capture and retain moisture. In addition to the environmental benefit, some trees also bring economic benefits, providing fruits that can be harvested by local communities. Here are some of water conservation tree species that we plant across our working area:

Sugar palm

The Sugar Palm belongs to the large palm tree family and can reach a height of 25 meters. It has strong stems and is commonly found near the river and downhill due to its ability to store water.

Its root system can stabilize the soil and prevent erosion while also having a great ability to hold water from rainfall. Each root can reach a length of 3 meters and each leaf can hold one to two liters of water, giving the soil beneath the tree more time to absorb more water. In Indonesia, the sugar palm is prized for its sap, used in sugar production, and its fruits, known as kolang-kaling, are popularly consumed as dessert.

Conserve Water trees — A sugar palm tree in the middle of forest. It is bearing fruits.

Tahitian chestnut

The Tahitian Chestnut is a multi-beneficial tree with an impressive root system, capable of reaching a height of 30 meters. Tahitian chestnut’s strong and deep roots are useful for absorbing rainwater and protecting water sources.

The tree also could store large amounts of water near ground level, making it a good water conservation tree for maintaining the availability of water. The Tahitian Chestnut is a symbol of peace and tranquility due to its shading properties.

Pangi

The Pangi tree can reach a height of 40 meters and has dense leaves. Its original habitat is in wet tropical rainforests, including those in Indonesia.

The tree is commonly found in lowlands, particularly on riverbanks. Due to its strong root system, the Pangi tree can prevent erosion on degraded lands as well as protect and green the river basin. It is also popular with its fruit in Indonesia, called kluwak.

The fruits are widely used in Indonesia as a traditional spice to add flavor and color to soups, making them rich and delicious.

Trees4Trees Water Conservation Tree-Planting

Water conservation is one of the key objectives in our reforestation efforts. We’ve planted diverse tree species to advance water conservation, focusing especially on the Kebumen and Boyolali regions of Central Java.

Conserve Water by planting trees — (Above) A tree grower in Boyolali is planting a tree-seedling received from Trees4Trees. (Below) Wasis is one of our tree-grower who successfully restore water spring near his house in Kebumen through planting trees.

Farmer

The tree-planting aims to help improve the environment, especially by enhancing water sources, ensuring clean water availability for the local community, and achieving the long-term goal of access to clean water. Here, we highlight our water conservation tree-planting efforts.

As we celebrate World Water Day, let’s acknowledge the important role of trees and forests in protecting our water. Join Trees4Trees in planting trees to conserve water resources!

Together, we can help the environment and support villages facing drought and water scarcity. Your support is crucial in our mission to restore forests and improve water resources for the future. Let’s work together for a sustainable future. Join us in planting trees today!

Learn more about Boyolali tree-planting project at this link or contact us through email: info@trees4trees.treesforplant.com

planting trees to conserve water water conservation water conservation tree planting World water day

7 Forests Facts You Need to Know

Forests are vital to every aspect of our lives. They provide the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink, and even the furniture we use. As nature’s greatest providers, forests offer invaluable benefits to all living beings on Earth. While forests may thrive without human intervention, we rely on them for essential elements of life. Oxygen and water.

Every March 21st, we celebrate the International Day of Forests. This celebration aims to raise awareness about protecting forests in our communities. In recognition of forests’ important role, we present fascinating forest facts to highlight the importance of forest conservation.

1. Approximately 31% land surface of Earth is forest cover

According to the UN, as of 2020, forests cover 31% of the total land surface on Earth. It is equivalent to around 4.06 billion hectares. More than a half of the world’s forest cover is spread across Russia, Brazil, Canada, USA, and China. The remaining forest cover is scattered across Australia, Congo, Indonesia, Peru, and India.

Compared to the previous decade, surprisingly, forest cover has decreased by an estimated 420 million hectares. This is equivalent with the total land mass of the European Union!

2. Different types of forests around the world

Globally, forests take on various forms influenced by factors such as rainfall, sunlight, latitude, and temperature, which shape their ecosystem. They are broadly classified into three main categories—boreal, temperate, and tropical. Each varying widely based on these factors.

The boreal or taiga forest lies between 50 and 60 degrees north latitude. With a cold climate and short growing season, it’s characterized by low species diversity, dominated by conifers. Temperate forests, found at mid-latitudes, experience four distinct seasons. They are less diverse than tropical forests, with typical trees including oak, maple, cottonwood, and willow. Tropical forests are at 23 degrees latitude near the equator. They are the warmest and wettest forests and represent the most diverse ecosystems on Earth.

Boreal forest ini Alaska — Boreal Forest in Alaska. Photo: Wikipedia

3. Forests support clean water

Healthy forests play a crucial role in providing clean water. They positively influence its quantity, quality, and filtration. They act as natural filters, preventing pollution from entering the global water system, while their strong roots combat soil erosion. However, when forests are disturbed or degraded, sediment flows into streams, polluting the water.

Forests also regulate the water cycle. The layers of forest canopy, branches, and roots store and release water vapor, influencing rainfall patterns. Furthermore, forests mitigate flood impacts by slowing runoff flow during storms. However, deforestation will disrupt this process, leading to irregular rainfall patterns, causing droughts and floods.

4. Forests are storehouses of biodiversity

Forests are home to over 50% of the world’s species of animals, plants, and insects. The highest biodiversity ever recorded on land is in the Amazone rainforest, which is also a home for 400 different indigenous groups.

Other biodiversity hotspots include forests in Borneo, Papua and New Guinea, northwestern South America, and Central America, and the Congo Basin. Some of these forests may be home to more than 300 species of trees per hectare.

5. Amazon Rainforest: The largest forest in the world

The Amazon River Basin, spanning over 6,600 km, hosts the world’s largest forest, the Amazon rainforest. Covering more than half of the total rainforests globally, it spans 6.7 million square kilometers, roughly twice the size of India.

Nearly 60% of this rainforest is in Brazil, with the remainder shared among eight countries—Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela, and French Guiana.

Forest and Green — Amazon Rainforest. Photo: Wikipedia

6. Forests as sources of food and medicine

Forests are home to a wide array of trees and plants that provide humans with fruits, nuts, seeds, leaves, roots, and barks. These make them crucial sources of food and medicine. In addition, forests provide habitats for insects and a wide range of animals, which also contribute to our sustenance and provide medicinal resources.

Indigenous communities living in forested areas consider these ecosystems to be their natural supermarkets, as they provide everything they need to survive. By extracting food and medicine from the forest, these communities possess traditional knowledge that has been passed down through generations. Therefore, protecting forests not only preserves biodiversity but also safeguards cultural heritage and improves food security.

7. Forests store massive amounts of carbon

Forests serve as powerful carbon sinks. They play a crucial role in regulating the global climate by sequestering carbon from the atmosphere. Annually, the world’s forests absorb approximately 15.6 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide, contributing to global climate stabilization.

Tropical forests are renowned for their diversity and density, containing more kinds of trees compared to other forests. Research shows they are effective at carbon absorption, capable of sequestering four times more carbon than other forest types. However, when forests are burned or cleared, the stored carbon is released into the atmosphere, exacerbating global warming and climate change.

Therefore, engaging in tree-planting initiatives in tropical regions, such as Indonesia where Trees4Trees operates, is vital. Tropical areas offer optimal conditions for tree growth, with extended daylight and conducive environments enabling faster and larger tree growth, aiding in climate change mitigation. Learn more about planting trees with us!

facts forest fun facts International forest day

Activity Highlight: Distributing Tree Seedlings in Central Java and Yogyakarta Surroundings

The Central Java and Yogyakarta regions are two of Trees4Trees’ main locations for tree planting and play a vital role in our reforestation initiatives. In the Trees4Trees 2023-2024 planting season, we successfully distributed over 570,000 tree seedlings to approximately 2,300 tree growers across Central Java, spanning Kebumen, Pati, Boyolali, Semarang Regency, and Gunung Kidul in Yogyakarta.

Our tree-planting initiatives throughout the regions serve diverse purposes, ranging from addressing drought and water scarcity to preventing erosion and landslides, revitalizing degraded areas, and providing essential shade.

In addition to our terrestrial efforts, Trees4Trees extended its impact to the coastal region of Pati by planting around 33,750 mangroves, contributing to the overall health and resilience of the coastal areas.

Let’s celebrate the hard work of our team in Central Java and Yogyakarta as they deliver seedlings to our tree growers in various locations!

Our nursery workers in Kebumen (above) and Pati (below) were meticulously selecting and preparing the best seedlings then packaging them for distribution to various planting areas across Central Java and Yogyakarta.

The selected and packaged tree-seedlings in the nursery of Kebumen (above) and Pati (below) were ready for loading to the delivery trucks. They were attached with a barcode and information about tree types, the grower who will receive them and the village destination.

(Above) Our nursery team in Kebumen loaded the tree-seedlings to a small pick-up truck. (Below) Our nursery team in Pati had already finished loading all seedlings to a bigger truck. Due to the challenging terrain to the tree-planting areas, with usually very narrow and steep roads, we used small pickup trucks for delivery. While the bigger trucks are used to deliver the seedlings to the areas with wider roads.

The tree-seedlings were all dropped and organized in a meeting point in Gunungsari Village, Pati (above) and Kedungpilang Village, Boyolali (below). They were ready to be picked up by our dedicated tree growers.

Following the arrival of the tree seedlings in Gunungsari, Kebumen (above) and Ngringin, Gunungkidul Yogyakarta (below), local communities enthusiastically welcomed them. They couldn’t wait to receive the tree seedlings. Our team also worked hand in hand with the local community in loading out the seedlings.

(Above) Mangrove seedlings were delivered to the meeting point near Tegalombo Village’s coastal area in Pati Regency. They were then transported to the planting location by members of a fishpond farmer group collaborating with Trees4Trees as tree growers. (Below) The mangrove distribution process in Banyutowo Village involved the active participation of the local community.

Witnessing our tree growers bringing their trees home was genuinely thrilling. They transported the trees from the designated meeting points using various methods, including carrying them on their backs with bamboo sticks or traditional baskets, as well as utilizing motorcycles. Shortly after, they will proceed to plant these trees in their fields.

Our tree growers’ smiles are the most precious to us! We are grateful for the opportunity to support them as a local community by providing tree seedlings and organic fertilizers and witnessing the joy on their faces!

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