Activity Highlights: Engaging Local Communities to Promote Tree Planting Initiative

Field Facilitator Induction Gunungsari (02)_trees4trees tree planting program_reforestation_Pati

In line with our commitment to empowering the local community, we have hired members of the community as Field Facilitators. Their crucial role involves connecting the tree planting program with local farmers, who become tree grower partners, as well as engaging with other local communities. 

Currently, we have successfully completed the induction sessions for Field Facilitators in all working units throughout Central and West Java. During these sessions, our team provided environmental knowledge and equipped the facilitators with the necessary skills to engage with local communities and promote the tree-planting program. 

Let us look at our induction activities in various working areas through the images below! 

Field facilitators Induction 2023_trees4trees tree planting program_reforestation_Cirasea 1 Bandung_Citarum
Trees4Trees Cirasea 1 unit, West Java

Starting the field facilitators’ induction session in Cihanyir village, Trees4Trees team of Cirasea 1 unit presented the overview of tree-planting program and achievements as well as organization vision and mission to participants from nine villages in Bandung regency, West Java. 

Field facilitators Induction 2023_trees4trees tree planting program_reforestation_Cirasea 3 Bandung_Citarum
Trees4Trees Cirasea 3 Unit, West Java

During the Cirasea 3 unit’s field facilitators’ induction session in Mandalahaji villages, Bandung regency, Trees4Trees emphasized fairness, equality, and commitment against child labor and coercion in the tree-planting program operation. The session was attended by 60 facilitators from 15 villages. 

Field Facilitator Induction Gunungsari (02)_trees4trees tree planting program_reforestation_Pati
Trees4Trees Pati Unit, Central Java

The Trees4Trees team in the Pati site shared knowledge about tree planting programs during the field facilitators’ induction session held in Kedungsari Village, Pati Regency. The Pati unit successfully completed the field facilitators’ induction sessions in all 14 villages within the area. 

Field Facilitator Induction TA Barat_Balaidesa Sukomulyo_20230703 (3)_trees4trees_tree planting_kebumen_reforestation
Trees4Trees Kebumen Unit, Central Java

(Above) During the field facilitator session in Sukomulyo village, Kebumen regency, participants discussed field facilitators’ tasks and responsibilities in Q and A session. (Below) Similarly, in Ciwidey, West Java, the induction session covered the same topics. The Kebumen unit completed sessions for 37 villages, while Ciwidey covered 24 villages.  

 

Field facilitators Induction 2023_trees4trees tree planting program_reforestation_Ciwidey Bandung_Citarum
Trees4Trees Ciwidey Unit, West Java
Field facilitators Induction 2023_trees4trees tree planting program_reforestation_Cisangkuy Bandung_Citarum
Trees4Trees Cisangkuy Unit, West Java

(Above) The Cisangkuy unit of Trees4Trees was discussing incentives during the field facilitators’ induction in Cipongkor village. (Below) In Ciminyak 2, the team was discussing a similar topic. Essentially, the field facilitators’ incentives are based on productivity and work results. Cisangkuy has completed the induction sessions covering three districts: Banjaran, Cangkuang, and Cimaung, while Ciminyak 2 covers Sindangkerta and Cipongkor district. 

Field facilitators Induction 2023_trees4trees tree planting program_reforestation_Ciminyak 2 Bandung_Citarum
Trees4Trees Ciminyak 2 Unit, West Java
Field facilitators Induction 2023_trees4trees tree planting program_reforestation_Ciminyak 3 Bandung_Citarum.jpg
Trees4Trees Ciminyak 3 Unit, West Java

Field facilitators play a crucial role in establishing connections with local communities, helping prepare farmer training, distributing tree seedlings to farmers, collecting farmer data, monitoring tree planting preparations, and reporting and documenting activities. During the induction session, field facilitators from the Ciminyak 3 unit (above) and Ciminyak 1 unit (below) were focused on learning their respective responsibilities. 

Field facilitators Induction 2023_trees4trees tree planting program_reforestation_Ciminyak 1 Bandung_Citarum
Trees4Trees Ciminyak 1 Unit, West Java
Field facilitators Induction 2023_trees4trees tree planting program_reforestation_Cirasea 2 Bandung_Citarum
Trees4Trees Cirasea 2 Unit, West Java

Field facilitators are responsible for collecting lands and farmers data. In the induction sessions of both Cirasea 2 unit (above) and Citarik unit (below), they discussed the criteria that local farmers must meet to become partners in the tree planting initiatives. 

Field facilitators Induction 2023_trees4trees tree planting program_reforestation_Citarik Bandung_Citarum
Trees4Trees Citarik Unit, West Java

A Monument to Cooperation: AstraZeneca Puts Down Roots in Java

(Above) Volunteers join the tree planting activities, part of AstraZeneca Indonesia’s CSR program

To the east of Yogyakarta city, Banyunibo stands alone; an island of stone, marooned in a sea of green farmland. Unlike most buildings from the ancient Mataram kingdom – like nearby Prambanan and Ratu Boko – this ninth-century temple leads a solitary life. 

Out on these sunbaked plains, there are hardly any trees to provide shade. Particularly in the dry season, the area can become very hot and arid during the day, chasing people back to their cars and villages. But all that is about to change. 

A Shade Better: AstraZeneca Program Targets Tree Cover Density  

In February 2023, a joint tree-planting program kicked off in Cepit sub-village, where Banyunibo is located. Implemented by AstraZeneca and with support from Trees4Trees, the program will expand tree cover and provide more shade at the site.  

AstraZeneca Indonesia is working to deliver social and economic benefits to the local community, as part of an overarching goal to improve the environment.

AstraZeneca Indonesia's top management volunteering at the tree-planting event, including Se Whan Chon, Country President (fifth from the left); and Rizwan Abudaeri, Director of Market Access, Government Affairs and Regulatory Affairs (fifth from the right)
(Above) AstraZeneca Indonesia’s top management volunteering at the tree-planting event, including Se Whan Chon, Country President (fifth from the left); and Rizwan Abudaeri, Director of Market Access, Government Affairs and Regulatory Affairs (fifth from the right)

Providing Benefits for People and Nature 

The program provided a number of benefits to the local environment: restoring bare land, increasing water availability, supporting biodiversity, and mitigating environmental problems in various locations.

“The tree-planting event also included the riverbanks,” says Novita, Assistant Planning Manager at Trees4Trees. She explains that the trees planted will protect the rivers from erosion. “They will also increase rainwater absorption in the ground, preventing rainwater from flowing directly into the river,” she added.  

The program chose trees that will benefit communities. Species like mahogany, teak, damar, and trembesi, provide shade, support water availability, and produce a vast amount of oxygen; while fruit trees such as avocado, durian, and sapodilla can offer a source of income to local enterprises. 

(Above) Ms. Belinda Aw, Cluster Procurement Manager at AstraZeneca Singapore & Indonesia, plants a tree with the help of a Trees4Trees forester.
(Above) Ms. Belinda Aw, Cluster Procurement Manager at AstraZeneca Singapore & Indonesia, plants a tree with the help of a Trees4Trees forester.

The Program in Numbers  

The program involved many different people, working together to provide a range of environmental and social benefits, while also raising awareness in local communities about the importance of trees. 

  • 260 trees planted 
  • 2,500 square meters of land 
  • 500 volunteers from AstraZeneca Indonesia 
  • 25 groups, led by 18 experts from Trees4Trees 
  • 3 local communities 

“We hope everyone will benefit from the trees we have planted in this area,” says Novita. “Especially the local communities in the village, who can enjoy the shade provided by the trees and the oxygen they provide.,” Trees planted during the project will grow to provide shade for the temple, ecosystem benefits for the surrounding area, and livelihood opportunities for the people who live and work here. 

AstraZeneca Program : member of the Trees4trees planting team
Members of the Trees4Trees planting team

In the fertile heartland of Java, history and traditions run deep. Banyunibo is a symbol of this proud heritage. In the local language, the temple’s name means ‘dripping water’. With every drop of sweat shed during the recent tree-planting program, and every drop of rain that falls from now on, a forest will spring up around the temple; a living monument to the power of cooperation, shading the temple and its visitors for generations to come. 

For more information, and to find out how Trees4Trees is working together with AstraZeneca to restore forests around Indonesia, visit our website. 

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Photo: Yulianisa Dessenita.

Regreening Jakarta’s Concrete Jungle through Urban Forestry

Regreening Jakarta’s Concrete Jungle
With support from Microsoft, and in collaboration with local farmers, schools, and communities, Trees4Trees will continue replanting urban areas around Jakarta.

In terms of urban area, Jakarta is the second biggest city in the world. And it’s still growing; areas on the outskirts are quickly swallowed by the urban sprawl, and the increasing number of industrial centers is already having an environmental impact. But in the satellite towns of Bekasi and Karawang, locals are finding ways to push back against the concrete tide: by planting more trees. 

Replanting urban forests offers all kinds of benefits. Trees combat pollution and lower temperatures. They provide habitats for animals and livelihoods for people. They filter drinking water, protect against flooding and prevent soil erosion. On a larger scale, urban forests are proven to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change by sucking carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.  

Going Green in Greenland: Trees4Trees’ Replanting Program   

Recognizing the importance of urban forests, and with support from Microsoft and One Tree Planted, Trees4Trees kicked off a tree-planting initiative in the Greenland International Industrial Center (GIIC) in Bekasi and the Karawang International Industrial Center (KIIC) in Karawang. The program, which began in November 2022, has already covered an area of 25 hectares.  

Regreening Jakarta’s Concrete Jungle
(Above) Since November 2022, Trees4Trees has planted 17,778 new trees around Bekasi and Karawang

“With this project, our goal is to plant 25,000 trees in GIIC and KIIC,” explains Anto Wartono, Planning Manager at Trees4Trees. “We hope these trees will soon grow into urban forests.”  

According to Anto, Trees4Trees has already planted 17,778 trees around GIIC and KIIC. Around 8,000 more trees are expected to be planted in the area over the next few weeks.  

The program actually went beyond planting. To raise public awareness about the importance of green spaces in urban areas, Trees4Trees engaged with local women farmers and ran an environmental campaign in local schools and communities.  

Rehabilitating the Riverbanks 

One of the main goals of the project is to restore areas around rivers. In recent years, the riverbanks have been eroding away due to land conversion. Trees4Trees focused on areas either side of the Cipamingkis and Cikalapa rivers, which flow through the GIIC area in Bekasi and the KIIC in Karawang, respectively.   

Regreening Jakarta’s Concrete Jungle
(Above) The Cipamingkis River in Bekasi, where Trees4Trees has been active recently

In Jakarta, temporary shelters are a common sight on the city’s riverbanks. During the rainy season, rising water levels can lead to floods and landslides. Adding trees to the banks of rivers is an effective defense against these dangers. 

“Many riverbanks have been converted into residential areas and semi-permanent buildings,” says Anto, who has experienced plenty of obstacles to urban planting. “Unlike in rural areas, planting trees in urban areas is more challenging – there are only a few spaces we can use as green areas.”    

Greening Industrial Areas, Supporting Farmers 

The process of urbanization and land conversion is also squeezing farmers off their land. As part of the urban forest project, Trees4Trees has been working with displaced farmers, helping them establish plantations in the newly reforested areas. By planting trees with high economic value – like durian, avocado, and caqui – we are helping devise new and sustainable ways to support local livelihoods. 

“We have planted 3,085 trees in two villages around KIIC, Puseurjaya and Margamulya village,” says Anto. “While in the GIIC buffer zone, we have planted 2,300 trees in Pasirtanjung village by involving local farmers,” he added.   

Preserving Biodiversity  

Trees4Trees’ work in KIIC also covered the Telaga Desa conservation area; an educational park that provides a precious green oasis in Karawang. As part of the project, more than 3,000 trees were planted here. Trees species chosen for this purpose included kemang (white mango), buni (currant), pulai (blackboard tree), mundu (yellow mangosteen), genitri (rudraksha), puspa (needlewood), and gandaria (mango plum).  

Regreening Jakarta’s Concrete Jungle
(Above) Microsoft’s Gavin Hodge (left) helps plant trees in the GIIC in Bekasi

“These trees will grow 20 meters high in 5 years,” explains Gavin Hodge, the DCD Project Manager at Microsoft. He joined the activity in GIIC and KIIC area as a volunteer tree planter, and believes this project will offer a range of benefits. “(It’s) going to protect our environment and improve the estate, while also improving the situation for the community. So it’s good that Microsoft can be a part of it.” 

With support from Microsoft, and in collaboration with local farmers, schools, and communities, Trees4Trees will continue replanting urban areas around Jakarta. Every sapling holds enormous potential. In time, they could change the landscape in one of the world’s biggest urban areas.   

To find out more about our ongoing replanting programs, and to see how you can help, visit devtrees4trees.portopaper.com.  

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Editor: Christopher Alexander

One Tree Planted Visited Trees4Trees’ West Java Nursery

One Tree Planted Visit to Bandung Trees4Trees_1

One Tree Planted Visit to Bandung Trees4Trees_1

Trees4Trees and One Tree Planted have committed to be partnered in environmental renewal and local community support through tree planting programs. As part of the commitment, One Tree Planted visited Trees4Trees West Java area last 18 – 19 July 2022. The visit was represented by Beth Dalgleish, One Tree Planted Asia Pacific Director and Talia Liney, One Tree Planted Asia Pacific Project Manager.

During the visit, the two representatives visited Trees4Trees nursery in Arjasari, Bandung Regency to see the tree seedlings growth and nursery activities. They also visited several tree planting locations on the farmers’ lands in Nagrak Village, Patrolsari Village, Pasirmulya Village, Campakamulya Village, and Lamajang Village in Bandung Regency, West Jawa.  

One Tree Planted Visit to Bandung Trees4Trees

In these villages, the two met Trees4Trees’ best farmers. They talked about the progress of trees planted by farmers. Some of trees are burflower, eucalyptus, coffee, avocado, gmelina, dammar, bitter bean, cinnamon, iron redwood, and more. Those trees were not only contribute in absorbing carbon and preventing erosion, but also brings economic benefits for farmers from the trees ‘ yield. 

“We came here from Australia to visit the Trees4Trees nursery, where they grow trees for 10 million trees planting project funded by Astra Zeneca. These trees are going to be planted in the Citarum watershed. So it’s great to see these baby trees growing and being well cared in this nursery,” said Beth Dalgleish. 

One Tree Planted Visit to Bandung Trees4Trees 
The 10 million trees planting project itself has been addressed for the rehabilitation of the Citarum Watershed (DAS) in West Java. It has started since 2020 and funded by Astra Zeneca which collaborates with One Tree Planted and Trees4Trees. This project targets to plant 10 million trees by the end of 2025 in four sub areas of watershed, including Ciminyak, Ciwidey, Cirasea, and Cisangkuy watershed. At the same time, it also targets agroforestry development and planting erosion control plants on an area of 8,900 hectares. 

One Tree Planted Visit to Bandung Trees4Trees

During the tree planting program, it is estimated to be able to absorb 1.8 million billion kg of carbon dioxide (CO2). It will also raise the function of watershed and the stability of water flow. Therefore, this program is expected to give contribution in reducing negative impact of forest degradation around the Citarum watershed as well as increasing the local community’s awareness to protect the forest and provide alternative income sources for local people. Around 38,000 families who live near watershed are expected to get the benefit environmentally and economically from this program.  

One Tree Planted Visit to Bandung Trees4Trees

“With the collaboration of Astra Zeneca, One Tree Planted, and Trees4Trees in the reforestation effort, we hope to convey a wider message to more people around the world to understand that every environmental changes have consequences including environmental degradation that need our collective actions to deal with it. Everyone should take a role and contribute to improve and maintain environments to be healthier. Planting trees and growing them is an example of small actions that can bring immense benefits to human life in the future,” said Tomi Bustomi, Regional Forestry Manager of Trees4Trees. 

Author: V Arnila Wulandani

Photos: Kemas Duga Muis

Best Reforestation Charity Programs

Best Reforestation Charity programs

Best Reforestation Charity programs – Reforestation is one of the best methods to restore our Earth from the negative effect of global warming. This method solves the root of this problem, which is the over-exploitation of forests that causes global warming. Best of all, you don’t need to do it alone. Nowadays, you can find many programs that help you to contribute to recovering our forest. Here, we have tips on how to choose the Best Reforestation Charity programs you can use.

4 Tips to Find and Choose the Best Reforestation Charity programs

Best Reforestation Charity programs

The Longest Operating Year

When you are going to choose the Best Charity programs, the first thing you should pay attention to is how long that program has been running. A program that runs for years means that the program has produced a real result. Therefore, people keep using it because they know that they donate to the right place for the correct purpose.

On the other hand, the short-lived program mostly has some problems. In a different field, some programs may be held for a short time and then reappear for a similar purpose in the latter year. However, reforestation requires a long period to produce the result. We are talking about restoring the forest to its healthy condition. Therefore, the Best Charity programs always take years for that.

Came from Legal and Trusted Source

The Reforestation Charity programs also come from a trusted organization or government institution. When you pick the program to donate to, make sure you research this matter first. Visit the organization’s website, read what they do there, and other information that can help you to know more about them.

On the other hand, the Best Reforestation Charity programs by the government are easy to find on the government official website. Or, if you live in the same country, big chance that you will get the announcement through many media, like TV or ads in the newspaper. Moreover, most of the program from the government is the Reforestation Charity programs. So, if you get confused, use the government program.

The Program Achievement

As we mentioned in the first point, the Best Reforestation Charity projects have always been running for years. Even though the real result requires many years to show, however, during the years that the program is running, there will be many achievements.

For example, you can find the Reforestation Charity programs that have planted more than 1 million trees during its current operating year. That is a good achievement because they are active during those years. It shows its dedication and reality for the reforestation process that they do.

Of course, many scam programs also can fake themselves as the Best Reforestation Charity projects by providing false information and fact. Therefore, you also should check the third-party information to find out the real information about that program. Finding testimonials or reviews from other people is also a good thing to do. That way you can make sure that the program you choose is one of the this charity program.

Social Impact that Comes from That Program

Another thing you also need to notice is its effect on the surroundings. How does that program affect the people that live in the area of reforestation? Some of the Best Reforestation Charity programs also have something like a sub-program that helps people who live in the reforestation area. It includes education about the forest and the environment for people in that area.

One of the Best Reforestation Charity programs you can choose is the one with an extra mission. Some of those programs even teach people to make a living from the forest without damaging or over-exploiting it. If you can find that kind of program, do not hesitate to choose it. That program is one of the this charity program you can find.

Final Words

Choosing the best program to donate for reforestation might be difficult and time-consuming. That is necessary. You have to ensure that your money enters the right one to help the Earth. Or, if you think it is still too difficult to do it, you can start it yourself. Buy a plant and plant it in your yard. That also helps the environment. Now, are you ready to find the this charity program? Please contact us for more detailed information.

Reforestation Projects UK

Reforestation projects UK

Reforestation Projects UK – In 2021, it was reported that UK woodland area comprises 3.23 million hectares. Over the years, this number is projected to deplete following the activity of deforestation. Like many forests in the world, woodland areas in the UK have an important role in the environment. As a result, reforestation projects UK is initiated as an effort to minimize the impact of deforestation on the environment.

Restoring UK’s Woodland With Reforestation Projects UK

Reforestation projects UK

 

Deforestation in the UK

According to Global Forest Watch, As of 2000, around 2.39Mha (9.8%) of land in the UK was covered by natural forest. However, since then, the number has steadily decreased. From 2001 to 2020, the United Kingdom has lost almost 481kha of tree cover. The peak of tree cover loss occurred in 2009 in which forestry and logging became the primary cause.

However, that’s not only the cause of deforestation in the UK. Centuries of mining and industrial revolution have left the UK’s woodland damaged and destroyed. Along with shifting agriculture, wildfire, and urbanization, these unfortunate events have contributed to the destruction of natural forests and their inhabitants. For that reason, the UK government and several organizations have begun their effort to restore the woodland 30 years ago.

The result is quite significant. More than 9 million trees have been planted to create what we know today as the National Forest. Despite the staggering result, the job is not done. To this day, various organizations worked together with the government to continue this noble effort of woodland revitalization.

Reforestation projects the UK

After centuries of town-building, the UK has fewer forests compared to other countries in Europe. As a result, the UK had lost its capability to reduce CO2 from the atmosphere. To balance the ever-growing usage of fossil fuel, many reforestation projects the UK were initiated over the years.

As reported by the PBS NewsHour, the UK had invested millions in the effort of replanting its forest. In England, UK reforestation projects are managed by Forestry England, a division of the Forestry Commission. The reforestation efforts are mainly targeted at several areas at which coal mines are used to be operated. The aim is to revitalize over 5,000 acres of rural land in the next five years.

However, that’s just one of many UK reforestation projects that exist. There are dozens of environmental organizations that initiated this project in different regions in the country. On top of that, you can also partake in the reforestation projects UK.

How to do your part 

There are several things that you can do to partake in reforestation projects UK. Three of which are becoming a volunteer, donating, or initiating your own reforestation project. Being a volunteer means lending your power in the field. To volunteer, you just have to apply to one or several reforestation organizations, such as Forestry England or Woodland Trust.

Alternatively, you can also make a donation to one of many reforestation charities in the UK. Several reforestation projects in the UK will be helped by your donation regardless of the amount. While most reforestation projects in the UK are legal, you might still find scams. If you doubt a particular charity, you can always check its work on several charity watch websites, such as CharityWatch, or Charity Navigator.

If you have the time and power to initiate your own projects UK, the government will happily fund you. Through Woodland Creation Planning Grant (WCPG) published on 9 July 2018, the Forestry Commission will fund any individual who is eligible to create woodland in the UK. If your proposal is approved, you will be awarded up to ₤30,000 for your woodland creation project.

Other than decreasing the CO2 volume, your created woodland will enrich the biodiversity in the area. Your woodland will become home to many species of birds, plants, and other organisms. However, before applying, make sure that you’re eligible for the fund. You can visit UK’s government website for more information regarding these reforestation projects UK.

So, that’s all about the reforestation in the UK. Dozens of environmental organizations and government organizations play an important role in the reforestation projects UK.  Amazingly, you can partake in the effort to restore the UK greenery in various ways. You can do it through donation, volunteering, or the government’s reforestation programs. Regardless of what you choose, it will be impactful for UK’s reforestation effort. If you want to know us in more detail please click on this page about us