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How Reforestation and Social Impact Combine

by Gabrielle Clawson ● May 18, 2023 ● 4 min read

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Planting Trees, Growing Change

When people talk about reforestation, they often talk about the ecological impacts of planting new trees. Those impacts are very important, and reforestation provides so many benefits to nature. Planting trees can also have a powerful social impact on the communities where the trees are planted. These include: educating smallholder farmers on best land practices to reduce environmental impact and increase crop yields, supporting indigenous communities in their vital work of safeguarding existing forests, providing opportunities for youth and communities to learn more about nature the environment, improving income and nutrition, and more! While reforestation is vital for nature and the environment, the social impact is just as crucial.

From helping locals earn an income to promoting gender equity, reforestation is a remarkable way to help give back to communities. Let’s look at some of our projects that help promote social impact!

4 Reforestation Projects That Have a Powerful Social Impact

1. Working At the Intersection of Reforestation and Human Rights in Thailand

In a remote region near the border of Myanmar, woven into the very fabric of northern Thailand's rugged hill country, live a group of marginalized ethnic minorities. Commonly referred to as the hilltribes, many are refugees of civil strife in Myanmar and have been in Thailand for generations — but often aren’t recognized as citizens.

This project has helped plant trees in Thailand to support watershed restoration and human rights efforts for the hilltribes.

With the help of our amazing on-the-ground partner, the hilltribes used this reforestation project as a means to restore degraded ecosystems, earn income, and secure recognition from the Thai government.

Against all odds, it worked, and they have since been acknowledged and have been able to farm and manage the forest with greater security and peace. This project also helped to promote gender equity, with 64% of participants being women, and most of those women were in positions of leadership.

Not only did this project help nourish and revitalize the soil, restore degraded habitat, improve water sources, and stabilize weather patterns in an area that’s at the forefront of climate change, it also empowered the hilltribes people with the opportunity and resources to make a powerful impact for the environment.

2. Restoring High-Altitude Forests Across the Andes Mountains

High above the Amazon basin, shrouded in mist and nestled amongst the slopes of the longest mountain chain in the world, live a community of gnarled, majestic trees: the High Andes Polylepis forest. These high-altitude forests are important for capturing water-borne moisture, but a lot of these forests have historically been cleared for agriculture and fuelwood.

With glaciers melting due to climate change — and few trees to capture and filter water — many highland regions now face seasonal drought and a decreasing water supply, causing water from melting glaciers to erode soil that was once held in place by trees. This degrades the topsoil and creates increasingly dry conditions, amplifying wildfire risk throughout the entire watershed — including the Amazon Rainforest.

But here’s the good news: reforestation can help! One Tree Planted is partnered with Global Forest Generation to support Accion Andina, the first multi-country, large-scale, grassroots initiative to restore the high-altitude native forests of South America's high Andes.

Restoration offers many other benefits to local people. As part of the project, communities receive culturally appropriate and desired services, including support in developing micro-businesses such as eco-tourism and nursery-raised foods, alternative energy sources, and solar panels.

3. Youth-Led Restoration in the Philippines

The youth are leading the world by storm. Reforestation and restoration projects are no exception to this.

In 1991, the second-largest volcanic eruption happened in Mount Pinatubo, Philippines, causing widespread devastation. Over 30 years later, restoration efforts are still happening to help local communities affected by the eruption. One Tree Planted is honored to be part of that restoration effort, and to support the young people that are working to make a difference for their future.

The overarching goal of this project is to work with local community members and tribes to empower them to make a difference in their communities. Our partner, For the Future PH, is a group of twelve young Filipinos that are working hard to make the world a better place for future generations.

Not only does this project help youth get involved and make an impact, but it will also be used to create jobs, host educational seminars and workshops, provide supplies and capital for farmers, connect farmers to processors, and introduce new technologies and practices. It will also include internship and scholarship programs for the youth.

Young people are our future leaders, and these projects allow them to learn and grow as activists and people, helping to shape the future for the better.

4. Empowering Smallholder Farmers in Rwanda Through Sustainable Agroforestry

Our reforestation partner KULA works to eradicate poverty through the development of entrepreneurs in Rwanda's coffee producing communities. Upon maturation, the coffee seedlings that are planted, grown, and maintained by the farmers who received them, can provide sustainable income for these families for up to 30 years.

Growing shade trees together with coffee trees provides a powerful blend of economic and ecological benefits that extend far beyond carbon sequestration and biodiversity habitat. Shade trees protect the coffee trees from drought stress and harsh sun exposure, which increases the quality of the coffee harvest. They also improve soil health by helping to maintain the soil structure and replenishing soil nutrients that are used by the coffee trees. Soil quality is an important piece of the puzzle of any successful and sustainable farming operation.

The extra income and stability that comes from sustainably grown coffee beans enables farmers to invest in themselves, building hope, strength and vision for a brighter future. They’re able to provide better healthcare for their families, send their children to school, put nutritious food on the table, and increase their savings. And every farmer empowered means lasting impact and change for the larger community.

Ready to Plant Trees for Social Impact? Here’s how you can get involved.

Feeling inspired? Stay tuned for more storytelling about incredible projects like these! In the meantime, plant trees today and help make an impact!

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Fundraising Disclosures

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.

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How Reforestation and Social Impact Combine

Get news, updates, & event Info delivered right to your inbox:

Planting Trees, Growing Change

4 Reforestation Projects That Have a Powerful Social Impact

1. Working At the Intersection of Reforestation and Human Rights in Thailand

2. Restoring High-Altitude Forests Across the Andes Mountains

3. Youth-Led Restoration in the Philippines

4. Empowering Smallholder Farmers in Rwanda Through Sustainable Agroforestry

Ready to Plant Trees for Social Impact? Here’s how you can get involved.

Get news, updates, & event Info delivered right to your inbox:

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Fundraising Disclosures

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