Record Number of Volunteers Join Annual Cleanup Event

Over 5,000 volunteers participated in our annual global cleanup day, removing waste from parks, beaches, and urban areas in the region

9/6/2021

Our team has reached a significant milestone in our Amazon reforestation initiative, having successfully planted over 1 million trees across deforested areas in Brazil and Peru. This achievement marks a major step forward in our efforts to combat climate change and restore critical ecosystems in the Amazon rainforest.

RECORD NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS JOIN ANNUAL CLEANUP EVENT

THE IMPORTANCE OF AMAZON REFORESTATION

The Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth," produces 20% of the world's oxygen and is home to 10% of all known species. However, deforestation has claimed nearly 20% of the Amazon in the last 50 years, primarily due to agricultural expansion, logging, and mining.


"Restoring the Amazon isn't just about planting trees—it's about rebuilding entire ecosystems that countless species depend on, including humans."
- Dr. Carlos Mendez, Lead Ecologist

OUR APPROACH

Unlike traditional reforestation efforts that focus on monoculture plantations, our approach emphasizes biodiversity and ecosystem restoration:

  • Planting over 200 native tree species to recreate natural forest diversity

  • Working with local indigenous communities who have traditional knowledge of the forest

  • Implementing sustainable agroforestry systems that provide economic benefits to local people

  • Using drone technology to map deforested areas and monitor growth

Impact and Results

After three years of work, we're beginning to see measurable impacts from our reforestation efforts:

  • Restored habitat for endangered species like jaguars, macaws, and howler monkeys

  • Improved water quality in nearby rivers and streams

  • Creation of sustainable livelihoods for 500+ local families through agroforestry

  • Estimated carbon sequestration of 250,000 tons annually once trees mature

The project has also had significant social impacts, providing training and employment opportunities for local communities while preserving traditional knowledge about forest management.

Challenges and Solutions

Reforesting the Amazon presents unique challenges that require innovative solutions:

Challenge: High seedling mortality rates in degraded soils
Solution: We developed a special mycorrhizal fungi treatment that improves seedling survival rates by 40%.

Challenge: Illegal logging and land encroachment
Solution: Partnering with local communities to establish forest guardian programs that monitor and protect reforested areas