Planting trees against the climate crisis in Haiti and Ethiopia

Climate crisis and a more social world – how are they connected?

Climate change has long since become an unmistakable reality, and its effects are immediately felt. Extreme weather events are occurring with increasing frequency, and they have significant consequences for the environment and the people affected worldwide. In poorer countries in particular, crop failures due to droughts, floods or forest fires can lead to devastating situations and seriously endanger the living conditions and basic supplies of the population. People living in economically disadvantaged and vulnerable regions are often particularly exposed to the effects of climate change, especially extreme weather events. They often lack the resources to adequately protect themselves from disasters. Privileged population groups and regions cause excessively high greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute significantly to global warming. The injustice here is that the people who have contributed the least to climate change are often the ones most severely affected by the effects. We are all the more proud to have almost completed our first environmental projects in collaboration with ING and our project partners from Welthungerhilfe and Eden Reforestation Projects .

Trees for a better climate – about the potential of reforestation

It is important to note that planting trees alone cannot save our climate. It will be much more important in the long term and in the future to significantly reduce our CO2 emissions. However, reforestation can have numerous positive effects on the climate and the environment. Trees bind carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, improve air quality and produce oxygen. They protect the soil from erosion, provide habitat for animal species and regulate the water balance. In addition, reforestation projects offer economic benefits and serve as natural protection against natural disasters. Overall, forests play a crucial role in preserving the environment and improving the quality of life for people and nature - as is also clear when looking at our projects in Haiti and Ethiopia.

Self-sufficiency and sustainable development in Ethiopia’s Dawuro Region: A model for reforestation

Ethiopians, especially those living in rural areas, rely heavily on healthy forests and natural resources to make a living. Unfortunately, forest areas have shrunk dramatically in recent decades, posing immense challenges for both people and nature. In the southern Dawuro region of the country, an innovative reforestation model is being developed in collaboration with Eden Reforestation Projects that is specifically tailored to the needs of the local population and harmoniously integrated into the existing vegetation. The goal is to restore natural forests in order to regenerate ecosystems and reverse the harmful effects of deforestation.

This project focuses specifically on planting seedlings in Tulema Koysa. Here, local communities play a key role by running tree nurseries that not only help increase ecological diversity but also promote economic development. This form of sustainable agriculture allows smallholder farmers to increase and diversify their food production, which in turn increases local food security. Thanks to these efforts, crop yields are improving and almost forgotten plant varieties are finding their way back to the region. This approach shows how targeted reforestation can positively impact not only the environment but also people's lives.

Sustainable rescue: How Haiti is reviving its forests

Haiti's forests are under threat as agricultural cultivation, livestock farming and charcoal production are advancing unabated. Welthungerhilfe is therefore working closely with the Haitian population to reforest and protect the country's forests.

In addition to reforestation, Welthungerhilfe is doing important work in Haiti within other projects to provide families in acute emergency situations caused by natural disasters with vital resources. These include food, drinking water and temporary accommodation. The focus is on sustainable solutions in the areas of agriculture, food security, water, hygiene and sanitation.

Another important aspect is the promotion of knowledge and education about sustainable agriculture. This helps to stabilize the food situation and preserve Haiti's biodiversity. The joint efforts of local communities and Welthungerhilfe aim to protect the forests in Haiti while at the same time offering local people sustainable livelihood opportunities. This integrative approach shows how protecting the environment and supporting the population can go hand in hand.

The result of our financing

Our first environmental project is now fully financed and completed. The result: Thanks to your help, our support projects in Ethiopia and Haiti will enable us to finance the planting of 250,000 tree seedlings - a great achievement!

Cover photo: Eden Reforestation Projects (Ethiopia)