Reforestation: the solution to save forests?

After the oceans, forests are the second largest carbon sink on the planet and a valuable source of biodiversity. They therefore play a vital role in our survival on Earth. Unfortunately, deforestation is happening at an alarming rate. It threatens our ecosystem and exacerbates climate change. In two decades, the forest has “lost almost 100 million hectares” on the planet. Massive deforestation linked in particular to human activities such as agriculture. There is an urgent need to protect and maintain existing forests.

How to act effectively for reforestation without being counterproductive? Discover how reforestation is a powerful tool for saving our planet and building a sustainable future.

The limits of reforestation

To fight against global warming, massive reforestation projects, encouraging the planting of trees, are springing up in France and around the world. So what do we call reforestation? Reforestation is the action of restoring a forest ecosystem by planting and/or seeding on former wooded land that has been altered. Why is reforestation essential? The natural benefits are numerous. The fight against erosion and soil water retention, the preservation of various animal and plant species affected by deforestation; not counting on the carbon absorption capacity of forests. According to studies, a newly planted tree can store between 10 and 50 kg of CO2 per year.

But planting trees as a magic bullet to stem climate change is not as easy. Many initiatives have been harmful because they have been carried out without method or any discernment. For example, in November 2019, Turkey launched a reforestation plan with the planting of 11 million trees across the country. Only two months later, 90% of the fir trees had already died, victims of the drought.

An observation is necessary. So it is not enough to plant trees to save the climate. It's more complex than that if you don't want to cause the opposite effect. The challenge in terms of reforestation seems clear. It is to succeed in carrying out sustainable reforestation with favorable impacts. To do this, it is essential to take into account, and respect, several essential elements. In short, each tree must be planted in a soil that suits it, protected and maintained. The project must also take into consideration the needs of local communities and ensure their involvement.

Our reforestation projects with a positive impact

If the reforestation project is properly implemented, it can then have positive benefits. Both for the environment and for the populations. For several years, we have been acting through our program HIS SHOOT. A plantation project that promotes reforestation while providing local populations with a means of subsistence. This is what we call the “economic tree.” An essential concept that guides all our actions and contributes to the empowerment of local populations.

Since November 2022, we have been carrying out actions in Indonesia with a reforestation project in North Sumatra-North that will end in October 2023. It is in the Aceh region, and more precisely in the villages of Sungai Pauh, Seurige and Kuala Langsa, that it is currently taking place to the delight of 90 families. 50,000 feet of mangrove, or 20 hectares, have therefore been planted in coastal and river areas in order to reconstitute one of the most precious and endangered ecosystems on our planet.

Thanks to this reforestation project, the populations have developed income-generating activities.

which will considerably improve the living conditions of families. Among them, traditional silvofishing, the production of fruits from the mangrove, and coloring with “batik”. The villagers are supported in order to guarantee the sustainability of the project. They receive training on forestry and food production. They also benefit from monitoring to find access to the market to sell their handicrafts and crops.

Thus, through the involvement of local communities and their support, we ensure the sustainable management of trees and therefore their long-term survival.

Do you also want to fight against deforestation and leave a positive footprint? Join us!