Tree planting benefits healthier environments in innumerable ways, but time and time again, we see how restoration also empowers people and communities to claim their lands and secure their future. Nowhere has this been more clearly demonstrated than with our amazing partnership in the Ecuadorian Amazon with the Sapara Women’s Association, or “Ashiñwaka”.
The Sapara Nation are one of several indigenous groups living in the Ecuadorian Amazon with less than 600 members today. Before European settlers arrived and colonized the country, they were among the largest indigenous populations in the region. With an uninterrupted history living close to nature, they continue to practice the traditions of their ancestors, limiting their impact on the environment and living in balance with the forests that sustain them.
However, in recent years, unchecked oil exploration has severely threatened their lands and way of life. In 2013, Ecuador signed contracts with Andes Petroleum (a consortium of oil companies) without their consent, to explore and exploit oil resources in Sapara and other indigenous group’s territories, threatening not just these indigenous cultures, but one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth.
This past year, One Tree Planted partnered with the Sapara Women’s Association, “Ashiñwaka” to plant 150,000 native and medicinal trees on Sapara lands covering 100 hectares in separate communities. Led by more than 120 staff and volunteers made up of indigenous women and their families, the tree planting is helping to restore native Amazonian rainforest while empowering Sapara women as leaders in their communities.
Planting these trees is helping give agency to the community — while providing income to the women of the Sapara Nation and subsequently increasing their autonomy within their communities. Additionally, tree planting is providing many ecological benefits. Restoring degraded forests will help prevent soil erosion and keep local rivers running clean. Tree planting will also help lower soil temperature and enrich soil fertility over time, facilitating healthy rainforest regeneration. Furthermore, restoration will create important habitat and food resources for the rich diversity of wildlife found in these forests.
Many of the tree species planted on this project are also important to the Sapara for spiritual purposes and for traditional medicine. In light of the Covid-19 situation worldwide, this is more important than ever in ensuring the community has access to local medicines, food and fibre otherwise difficult to access in this remote region.
Led by Sapara activist Gloria Hilda Ushigua Santi, the Sapara Women’s Association, or “Ashiñwaka” was created in 2009 to address the critical need to protect the fundamental human rights of Sapara women who have been threatened by violence and intimidation in defending their lands. Ushigua herself has been persecuted, beaten by police, threatened with death and had family members murdered in response to leading protests and resistance.
Despite these harrowing experiences, she and other Sapara women have not backed down. In 2015, she and other female indigenous leaders testified against the government’s environmental and indigenous crimes at the 156th session of the Inter-American Commission for Human Rights (IACHR), which was a huge step forward in bringing justice to their communities.
Finally, in 2019, Ecuador's Ministry of Energy and Non-Renewable Natural Resources granted a force majeure request by Andes Petroleum Ltd Ecuador due to the "resistance and social and political opposition" of indigenous peoples potentially affected by oil exploitation, effectively shutting the project down. Since these wins, the Sapara Women’s Association, “Ashiñwaka” has focused on defending the territorial and collective rights of the Sapara Nation while improving their lands.
The Amazon rainforest is the largest remaining tract of rainforest left on Earth, absorbing massive amounts of carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen at an enormous scale. This natural process is an invaluable and free ecosystem service that benefits the entire world. So it is with a certain irony that destruction of the Amazon rainforests for the ancient fossil fuels underneath them would have the double impact of releasing more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, while destroying the very “forest lungs” that mitigate against the most damaging effects of climate change.
By focusing on indigenous groups like the Sapara and empowering women as agents of change, this project maximizes its impact. Planting trees and restoring Amazonian forests helps ensure we reverse climate damage while protecting the Amazon’s irreplaceable biodiversity. All while championing courageous indigenous women as the rightful “forest guardians” of their lands.
We are incredibly impressed and grateful to work with outstanding people and partners like the Sapara Women’s Association, “Ashiñwaka”. This work is ongoing with lots more to do.Be a part of the movement for change: help us plant trees to restore tropical forests, champion indigenous rights and empower local women in Ecuador!
01/04/2025 by Meaghan Weeden
27/03/2025 by Meaghan Weeden
25/03/2025 by One Tree Planted
14/01/2025 by Meaghan Weeden
09/01/2025 by Meaghan Weeden
07/01/2025 by Meaghan Weeden
One Tree Planted, Inc.'s mission is to work with our partners to reforest our planet, empowering communities, and fostering a healthier, greener future. Financial and other information about our charity’s purpose, programs and activities can be obtained by contacting Leila Melody, Chief Financial Officer, 145 Pine Haven Shores Rd Ste 1000D Shelburne, VT 05482-7812 United States, 1-800-408-7850. If you are a resident of any of the following states, please review the relevant disclosure statement.
FLORIDA: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-HELP-FLA OR ONLINE AT www.fdacs.gov/ConsumerServices. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. REGISTRATION #: CH66616
GEORGIA: The following information is available upon request: a full and fair description of the charitable program for which the solicitation campaign is being carried out and, if different, a full and fair description of the programs and activities of the charitable organization on whose behalf the solicitation is being carried out, and a financial statement or summary consistent with the financial statement required to be filed with the Secretary of State pursuant to Code Section 43-17-5.
MARYLAND: A copy of the current financial statement of One Tree Planted, Inc. is available by writing to One Tree Planted, Inc. at 145 Pine Haven Shores Rd Ste 1000D Shelburne, VT 05482-7812 United States, or by calling +18004087850. Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Maryland Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401, (410) 974-5534.
MICHIGAN: MICS No. 65659.
MISSISSIPPI: The official registration and financial information of One Tree Planted, Inc. may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 1-888-236-6167. Registration by the Secretary of State does not imply endorsement by the Secretary of State.
NEVADA: The state of incorporation of One Tree Planted, Inc. is Vermont. Contributions may be tax deductible pursuant to the provisions of Section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.
NEW JERSEY: INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS CHARITABLE SOLICITATION AND THE PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE CHARITY DURING THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD THAT WERE DEDICATED TO THE CHARITABLE PURPOSE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY BY CALLING 973-504-6215 or 201-504-6215 AND IS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT https://njconsumeraffairs.nj.gov/public-charity-search-results REGISTRATION WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT.
NEW YORK: A copy of the latest annual report may be obtained, upon request, by writing to One Tree Planted, Inc. at 145 Pine Haven Shores Rd Ste 1000D Shelburne, VT 05482-7812 United States, or from the New York State Attorney General’s Charities Bureau, Attn: FOIL Officer, Department of Law, 120 Broadway – 3rd Floor, New York, New York 10271, (212) 416-8401 or https://ag.ny.gov/resources/organizations/charities-nonprofits-fundraisers
NORTH CAROLINA: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 1-888-830-4989 (within North Carolina) or (919) 807-2214 (outside of North Carolina). The license is not an endorsement by the State.
OREGON: One Tree Planted, Inc. registration in no way constitutes or implies any endorsement, sanction, or approval of a solicitation, its purposes, the manner in which it is conducted, or of One Tree Planted, Inc. by the Attorney General or any other governmental agency or officer.
PENNSYLVANIA: The official registration and financial information of One Tree Planted, Inc. may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
VIRGINIA: A financial statement is available from the State Office of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218 upon request.
WASHINGTON: The registration required by the Charitable Solicitation Act is on file with the Washington Secretary of State. Information relating to the financial affairs of One Tree Planted, Inc. is available by calling the Secretary of State at 360-725-0378 (the toll-free number for Washington residents is 800-332-4483).
WEST VIRGINIA: West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, West Virginia 25305. Registration does not imply endorsement.
WISCONSIN: A financial statement of One Tree Planted, Inc. disclosing assets, liabilities, fund balances, revenue and expenses for the preceding fiscal year is available upon request.
CONTRIBUTIONS ARE DEDUCTIBLE FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAW. REGISTRATION IN A STATE DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION OF ONE TREE PLANTED, INC. BY THE STATE.
Powered by Harbor Compliance
The Grove is more than just a monthly giving program: it's a vibrant community of individuals who are dedicated to reforestation and environmental restoration on a global scale.
As a member of The Grove, you affirm your commitment to restoring forests, nurturing biodiversity, and fostering positive global change.