Trees are magical, they accomplish incredible functions. When millions of trees grow together, together they become a living organism, which has a multiplier effect, a system that is essential for sustaining life on our planet.
How we treat forests has an ultimate effect on the life of everything this living world. Around 75% of our fresh water resources come from forests. Trees’ root systems retain rainfall water and release it in the form of springs and rivers. Forests harbor most of Earth’s terrestrial biodiversity. They provide habitats for 80% of amphibians, 75% of birds, and 68% of mammal species.
In addition, forests stop soil erosion, increase humidity and lower temperature, prevent desertification, produce oxygen, and absorb CO₂, forests are the source of food and medicine. Furthermore, creating new forests has an important social impact, it means creating employment for local populations and ultimately will lead to a better quality of life.
In short, forests are essential for life on this planet. Protecting them or restoring forest coverage is all about ensuring to leave the same living conditions we have known for the generations who will live after us on Earth.
The cost of planting is composed of three parts.
The first part concerns the preparation of the seedlings in a nursery or greenhouse: collecting or buying the seeds, sowing and watering them, carrying out the maintenance, etc.
The second part concerns planting itself. Suitable areas are carefully selected, and special planting procedures are designed according to the geographical areas.
The third and most important part concerns caring for the young plants during at least the first three years. The young seedlings must be protected by fencing to keep them safe from animals and humans.
Next, young trees are very sensitive to lack of water, and we cover them with mulch to prevent water loss and protect the seedlings from grass and weeds. Still, some part of the young trees do not survive in the wild during the first year, and we replace them with new trees during the next 2-3 years. This maintenance work is the major part of the cost.
The total cost of all three operations (incl. administration costs) is $3 per tree