Activity Highlights: Commitment in Combating Climate Change Through Carbon Value Training

The training also offered insights into the opportunities and advantages of harnessing the economic value of carbon – benefiting both the organization and local communities, projects implementation mechanisms, and government regulations related to carbon value initiatives. Beyond its environmental impact of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Trees4Trees’ upcoming carbon projects also provide an economic boost to local communities by growing trees.

A carbon footprint represents the total amount of greenhouse gases emissions produced by an individual, organization, event, or product. These emissions are a primary driver of global warming, exacerbating climate change. To address this pressing issue, carbon offsetting provides a way for companies, organizations, and individuals to offset their emissions by funding initiatives that either reduce emissions or store carbon in other locations, such as reforestation projects. 

Trees4Trees has been actively implementing carbon measures through its tree-planting program. In alignment with this initiative, we recently conducted a Training of Trainers (ToT) program, with a focus on enhancing the understanding of carbon sinks and their economic value among field teams in Bandung area. This program engaged participants from various sites, totaling 90 participants. 

This training initiative, held from September 27th to October 3rd, is a fundamental component of our groundwork for the forthcoming Trees4Trees carbon economics value project. The project is dedicated to supporting Indonesian government’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gases emissions in the forest and other land uses (FOLU) sector, serving as carbon sink to mitigate the impacts of climate change.  

Take a closer look at the activities related to the training of trainers about carbon economics value in these images below! 

Commitment in Combating Climate Change Through Carbon Value Training

The training features extensive knowledge-sharing sessions covering topics related to carbon sinks and the economic value of carbon in Indonesia, particularly in the connection in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering a green economy as part of efforts to combat climate change.  


Commitment in Combating Climate Change Through Carbon Value Training

The training also offered insights into the opportunities and advantages of harnessing the economic value of carbon – benefiting both the organization and local communities, projects implementation mechanisms, and government regulations related to carbon value initiatives. Beyond its environmental impact of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Trees4Trees’ upcoming carbon projects also provide an economic boost to local communities by growing trees. 

Commitment in Combating Climate Change Through Carbon Value Training

The training entailed conducting comprehensive forest surveys to identify and analyze vegetation types. The information gained from the forest identification served as the foundation for the process and methodology used to estimate carbon absorption. The calculation of carbon stored in the forest relies on five carbon pools, including biomass above the soil (such as stems, branches, and leaves), below the soil (roots), forest litter (fallen leaves or branches), dead trees and woods, and soil organic materials. 

Commitment in Combating Climate Change Through Carbon Value Training

Measuring the diameter of a tree’s stems is used to estimate the amount of carbon that a single tree can absorb. It is estimated that a tree’s stem contains a significant carbon biomass. 

Commitment in Combating Climate Change Through Carbon Value Training

Our team set up a measuring plot sample. This sample plot served as a representative model for other plots. Through this sample plot, we can efficiently estimate the total carbon content of an area. The plot is designed to define the area for measurement and estimate the potential carbon absorption capacity. 

The training also offered insights into the opportunities and advantages of harnessing the economic value of carbon – benefiting both the organization and local communities, projects implementation mechanisms, and government regulations related to carbon value initiatives. Beyond its environmental impact of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Trees4Trees’ upcoming carbon projects also provide an economic boost to local communities by growing trees.

Data obtained during the process of measurement in the forest survey and identification must be documented. The data will be utilized to develop the methodology for calculating carbon absorption capacity in a sampling plot. (Above) Our team documented the tree species within the sampling plot. (Below) Our team weighed and documented the forest litter found in the surrounding sampling plot. 

Commitment in Combating Climate Change Through Carbon Value Training

Nursery Highlights: Dedicated and Coordinated Trees4Trees Nursery Teams

In the operations of Trees4Trees’ nurseries, we place a high priority on strong coordination and cultivate a culture of hard work and perseverance within our team to nurture tree seedlings and achieve successful growth and thriving saplings.  

In addition to seedling cultivation, our nursery teams are also responsible for the development of essential facilities within the nursery. 

Explore further through images we captured below to learn about our dedicated team’s daily efforts to enhance the nursery and provide essential supporting facilities. 

Every morning, our nursery team holds a daily briefing to coordinate tasks within the nursery. (above) The Ciminyak nursery team and (below) the Soreang nursery team conduct their morning briefings before starting work. 

(Above) As tree seedlings flourish and thrive, we can see green seedbeds in the open–air areas of Cirasea nursery. (Below) Large shading net roofs are installed to provide shade to Bur-flower tree seedbeds, promoting optimal growth and preventing excessive sunlight, especially in this dry season. 

(Above) As tree seedlings flourish and thrive, we can see green seedbeds in the open–air areas of Cirasea nursery. (Below) Large shading net roofs are installed to provide shade to Bur-flower tree seedbeds, promoting optimal growth and preventing excessive sunlight, especially in this dry season. 

Soreang Nursery team (above) is installing plastic plant covers to the sowing seedbeds. The plant covers the purpose of keeping the humidity and protecting the little seedlings from rainwater runoff, wind, excessive sunlight, and pests’ attack. Pati Nursery team (below) is protecting avocado seedlings with plastic plant covers.  

It has been months since we began the Soreang Nursery operation. The Soreang Nursery team has already installed a name plate, marking the location of Soreang Nursery as the newest addition to Trees4Trees’ nurseries in Bandung regency.  

Recently, our team welcomed Samantha Davolos, a scientist from one of our partners, Plant for the Planet (PFTP), who visited our nursery in Pati to gain insights into the plants we have grown on behalf of PFTP. In addition to the nursery visit in Pati nursery, the PFTP’s scientist also toured our Kebumen nursery. Trees4Trees and PFTP have been collaborating on tree-planting for the past six years since 2017.  

Ensuring the optimal growth of seedlings requires the essential task of clearing excessive weeds from the planting areas. In the Kebumen nursery, our team diligently worked to remove weeds around the seedbeds where our seedlings are thriving. 

The Cirasea team has recently constructed a new ‘saung,’ a traditional resting shelter made from bamboo, wood, and straw, as an additional support facility within the nursery area. This new ‘saung‘ will provide a resting place as well as an open-air discussion area. (Below) The new ‘saung‘ is fully finished and is being used by our nursery workers for taking a rest. 

 

Activity Highlights: Educating Farmers through Community Engagement

Planting consultation

As part of Trees4Trees’ tree-planting process, our team in the field conducts community engagement sessions aimed at providing farmers with knowledge and information about tree-planting conditions and organic farming principles.

At this stage, our team also enters into partnership agreements with local farmers to establish them as tree grower partners in the upcoming reforestation program and ensuring the collection of data on farmers’ identities and land ownership details for the planting locations. 

Explore more about our tree-planting consultation and community engagement activities! 

Planting consultation stage Trees4Trees

This year, we’re partnering with more women farmers in various tree-planting areas. Our team in the Cisangkuy site (below) has already finished the socialization stage in Mekarsari Village and the Pati site (above) recently completed the tree-planting socialization session in Jrahi Village. In Pati, around 40% of tree grower partners are women, while in Cisangkuy, it’s about 30%. We encourage women farmers to participate in our tree planting program as part of our commitment to promoting women’s empowerment in our tree-planting operations. 

Planting consultation_Trees4Trees

Planting consultation_Trees4Trees

The tree-planting partnership entails an agreement between local farmers and Trees4Trees. Before signing the agreement paper, our teams in Kebumen (above) and Ciminyak 3 (below) sites provide a detailed explanation of the tree-planting conditions. The partnership is formed based on the local farmers’ willingness to join the program, with informed consent. 

Planting consultation_Trees4Trees

Planting consultation

After comprehending and accepting the planting conditions and program partnership, local farmers in the Mandalahaji Village of Cirasea 3 planting site (above) and Sindangkerta Village within the Ciminyak 2 site (below) proceed to sign the agreement form. The agreement encompasses commitments to practicing sustainable farming, abstaining from the use of environmentally harmful chemicals, refraining from land clearing, not employing underage workers, and safeguarding the conservation areas surrounding the planting sites throughout the collaboration. 

Planting consultation

Planting consultation_Trees4Trees

In Nagreg Village, which is part of the Citarik site, a tree grower partner is in the process of signing the planting agreement. Alongside distributing copies of the agreement letter and organic farming brochures as instructional materials, Trees4Trees also provide each farmer with a hotline number they can use to report issues and ask for help throughout the partnership. 

Planting consultation_Trees4Trees

Our teams at the Cirasea 1 site (above) and Ciminyak 1 site (below) are actively sharing valuable insights and information with local farmers in Mekarwangi village and Tanjungwangi, respectively. This includes details about planting conditions, scheduling, and the principles of organic farming. The information covers aspects like estimating planting hole sizes, distributing tree seedlings, and setting up planting schedules.

Planting Consultation_Trees4Trees

Educating Farmers through Community Engagement

A participant from Cinangela Village, part of the Cirasea 3 site, is acquiring knowledge on the organic cultivation of timber and versatile trees like fruit trees. This valuable knowledge is being obtained from a brochure shared by the Trees4Trees team. The session also covers organic cultivation knowledge-sharing for a diverse range of trees, including timber and fruit trees. 

Planting consultation with Trees4trees Team

The knowledge-sharing session with farmers includes a demonstration of how to create planting holes. The Ciwidey team is providing a practical example of the proper size and depth for planting holes to farmers in the villages of Sukawening. 

Educating Farmers through Community Engagement

Our team from Cirasea 2 (above) is in discussions with farmers from Baleendah and Citarik team (below) is in discussion with farmers from Babakan Peteuy villages, regarding planting conditions. These discussions take place in a traditional Sundanese meeting house with an open-air design constructed from bamboo and wood. Sundanese traditional architecture is widely recognized in Indonesia for its eco-friendly design. 

Educating Farmers through Community Engagement

 

Nursery Highlights: Nurturing Seedlings for High-Quality Results

Pemupukan bibit sengon_persemaian pati_20230801_Trees4Trees

In the pursuit of cultivating high-quality seedlings, the Trees4Trees nursery team employs various routines and techniques throughout the seedling growth process. Through diligent care and proper maintenance, these tree seedlings will thrive and mature into young trees, ready to make a positive impact on the environment. 

Join us in witnessing our dedicated efforts to nurture and care for these tree seedlings in our nurseries 

Nurturing Seedlings for High-Quality Results; Pemupukan bibit sengon_persemaian pati_20230801_Trees4Trees

Reaching the optimal growth of every seedling, our team applied organic fertilizer. Pati nursery team (above) sprayed liquid organic fertilizers to Albizia trees. Kebumen nursery team (below) spray plant growth substances to stimulate the growth of Calliandra seedlings.  

Management of pests and diseases affecting the seedlings

Management of pests and diseases affecting the seedlings

For the management of pests and diseases affecting the seedlings, the Ciminyak nursery team utilizes organic pesticides. Mindi and tobacco leaves, both organic materials, are employed effectively in the production of these organic pesticides to combat pests. 

Management of pests and diseases affecting the seedlings

At the Soreang nursery, our team chopped up banana tree stems (above) and mixed them with spirulina, and organic fertilizers to create organic material (below). This organic material serves the dual purpose of controlling pests and fertilizing the soil.

Pembuatan MP 1_Persemaian Soreang_Trees4Trees

Nurturing Seedlings for High-Quality Results

Regularly watering seedlings is essential for the seedlings’ growth. Our team in Kebumen nursery waters the seedlings every afternoon. The optimal times for watering plants are in the early morning and late afternoon. 

Management of pests and diseases affecting the seedlings

Cirasea nursery team is moving the stinky bean seedlings.  Every tree seedling in the polybags needs to be moved to prevent the roots from not penetrating the ground. Additionally, moving the seedlings is necessary to distinguish between the surviving and non-surviving ones. 

Management of pests and diseases affecting the seedlings

 

Pruning Akar dan Daur Pada Tanaman Petai_Persemaian Ciminyak_240823_Trees4Trees

Our Ciminyak nursery team is pruning the roots of stinky bean. The pruning is necessary to apply to growing seedlings aims to encourage root branching. 

Management of pests and diseases affecting the seedlings

The Soreang nursery team is installing the paranet (above), while the Ciminyak nursery team (below) has already finished installing the shading net. These are used to protect seedlings from excessive sunlight, rainfall, and wind.

Nurturing Seedlings for High-Quality Results

 

Activity Highlights: Ensuring the Data Accuracy through Data Collection

Scanning planting location barcode through GEKO App_Trees4Trees

Our field team is currently in the process of data collection, a crucial stage within Trees4Trees tree-planting operation. This phase is dedicated to gathering accurate data, photographs, and essential information about our farmer partners as the tree growers and the designated planting locations. 

During this stage, our proprietary GEKO app is employed as a digital tool, allowing us to precisely document the farmers and planting locations. This technology is integral to our commitment to transparency and delivering accurate reports to our donors and sponsors. 

Witness our data collection efforts across various operational regions through the images provided below! 

In the Trees4Trees Cirasea 3 site, our team is attaching barcodes in Pangauban Village, Bandung Regency

To identify the tree-planting sites, our field team affixes barcodes in each farmer’s field. In the Trees4Trees Cirasea 3 site (above), our team is attaching barcodes in Pangauban Village, Bandung Regency. Similarly, in the Trees4Trees Citarik site (below), our team is applying barcodes in Dampit Village, Bandung Regency. 

Scanning planting location barcode through GEKO App_Trees4Trees

The barcode has been successfully affixed to a tree in the field of one of our farmer partners in Beketel Village, Pati, Central Java_Trees4Trees

The barcode has been successfully affixed to a tree in the field of one of our farmer partners in Beketel Village, Pati, Central Java. This barcode serves to identify the specific tree-planting location on the farmer’s land. 

team members at the Ciminyak 2 site is currently scanning the barcode in Mekarsari village, West Bandung_Trees4Trees

After attaching the barcode, our team will scan it using the GEKO app on a smartphone. This process collects accurate location coordinates for the designated planting site. One of our team members at the Ciminyak 2 site is currently scanning the barcode in Mekarsari village, West Bandung Regency. 

Trees4trees team at the Cisangkuy site engaged in discussions with the farmer_Trees4Trees

After affixing the barcode to a farmer’s planting location in Malasari village, Bandung Regency, our team at the Cisangkuy site engaged in discussions with the farmer who owns the field. This process involves finalizing the land’s data. 

Trees4Trees team at the Cirasea 2 site is currently enroute to collect data on planting locations_Trees4Trees

Reaching the planting locations and gathering precise data isn’t an easy task. At times, the tracks are challenging, featuring rocky and steep terrain. Our team often has to traverse these paths for hours. Together with farmers and local residents, our team at the Cirasea 2 site is currently enroute to collect data on planting locations. 

Trees4Trees team at the Ciminyak 3 site is capturing a barcode that has been affixed to one of the planting locations_trees4trees

Our team at the Ciminyak 3 site is capturing a barcode that has been affixed to one of the planting locations. Some of these planting sites feature steep inclines and are susceptible to erosion. This emphasizes the importance of planting more trees in these areas to mitigate the risk of landslides and erosion. 

The team in Kebumen is verifying farmers' data_trees4trees

In addition to gathering planting location data, our field team is also tasked with collecting data from the farmers. The team in Kebumen (above) and at the Ciminyak 1 site (below) is verifying farmers’ data by conducting in-person meetings and interviews related to their identity and land data designated for planting areas. 

The team in Kebumen is verifying farmers' data_trees4trees

Trees4Trees team in Ciwidey inputs the data from Sukamulya village into the GEKO app

After gathering the farmers’ data, including identity documents and self-photographs of the farmers, our team in Ciwidey inputs the data from Sukamulya village into the GEKO app. 

Our team in Cirasea 1 is inputting farmers’ data into the GEKO app. Through technology, we record the data of farmers, planting locations, and all living trees. This information will be integrated with our website to display them on a digital map accessible to our supporters. This serves as a gesture of appreciation for their commitment to tree planting with us.  

 

Nursery Highlights: Witness the Flourishing Journey of Seedlings

In the preparation for the 2023 planting season, all Trees4Trees’ nurseries in Central and West Java are bustling with activity as we nurture various kinds of tree seedlings, ranging from timber to fruit trees. Our dedicated nursery teams are working diligently to produce high-quality seedlings, reflecting our unwavering commitment to provide high-quality seedlings. 

One of our key priorities is to cultivate the tree seedlings using organic farming techniques. It aims to ensure that they are environmentally friendly. By adopting sustainable practices, we aim to contribute to a greener and healthier ecosystem. 

Observe the journey of nurturing these seedlings until they flourish into young trees. Take a glimpse into Trees4Trees’ nurseries through the captivating images below! 

The Petai (Stinky Beans) seedlings, one of native Indonesia trees, are now beginning to grow into young trees at our newest nursery, Soreang Nursery. Our team cultivates these seedlings using the direct sowing or polybags method. It is a method where the fruit seeds are placed directly into polybags filled with planting media. Our team applies this particular method typically to trees with larger seeds. Other than petai, our team in West Java has also cultivates avocado, durian, coffee, and clove with this method. Meanwhile, in Trees4Trees Central Java, our team applies the method to avocado, durian, jack fruit, and petai. 

Similarly, the Durian, another native tree of Indonesia, is undergoing cultivation using the direct sowing or polybag method. Excitingly, at our Ciminyak nursery, the durian seedlings have already exhibited impressive growth, with their stems reaching new heights!  

As the durian seedlings progress in their growth journey, the seeds, known as durian ‘seedlings’ heads’ naturally detach from the stems and require removal. Recently, the dedicated nursery team at Ciminyak nursery was diligently engaged in cleaning the durian seedlings, carefully removing the detached ‘heads’ from the growing stems. 

In addition to the direct sowing method, we also employ the indirect sowing or tray sowing method to cultivate seedlings. This involves germinating seeds in sowing trays or tubs, which is especially suitable for trees with small seeds. Typically, they need around five to 22 days (about 3 weeks) before our team transfers them to polybags. At Trees4Trees Kebumen nursery, our dedicated team is currently germinating kaliandra seeds, and we are delighted to witness their successful emergence and growth. In addition to kaliandra, our team applies this method to indigofera and sengon trees. 

Our nursery team at Soreang Nursery is in the process of weaning the baby eucalyptus trees from the sowing tray. Similar to kaliandra, our team cultivates these seedlings using the indirect sowing or tray sowing method. Once the seedlings have grown into baby trees, they require careful weaning and transfer to individual polybags. In the West Java area, our team has applied this method to manglid, gmelina, eucalyptus, sengon, and suren. 

Upon completing the weaning process, the nursery team will proceed to transfer the seedlings from the sowing trays to individual polybags. It is the next phase of growth. After one month, our nursery team will carefully select the seedlings. The selection is based on their height and then grouped together in the same blocks. 

The Trees4Trees Kebumen nursery team (above) and the Pati nursery team (below) are actively engaged in transferring the kaliandra seedlings from the sowing trays to individual polybags. 

The avocado seedlings (above) and coffee seedlings (below) at Cirasea nursery are flourishing, steadily reaching new heights. Avocado and coffee trees stand among the most sought-after choices for our tree growers. 

Witness the Flourishing Journey of Seedlings

Sengon remains the most highly sought-after timber tree among our tree growers. In Trees4Trees Pati nursery, the young sengon trees are beginning to thrive, displaying vibrant green growth. 

Witness the Flourishing Journey of Seedlings