Great results in 2020, in spite of Covid

This year we took great pleasure again in drawing up the balance sheets here at the office. We are always very happy when we can issue a number of beautiful tree certificates for our customers! Due to all corona measures and working from home, people consumed less coffee and tea in most offices. This is clearly reflected in the cups purchased, so unfortunately we couldn’t plant as many trees this year. Nevertheless, our partners SOS and MCDI still achieved significant results in 2020 that we are happy to share with you.

Mpingo Conservation & Development Initiative (MCDI), Tanzania

In Tanzania, MCDI has helped local communities to sell sustainably grown timber to the right bidders. This way they have earned 197,315,000 Tanzanian Shillings, which is about 71,000 euros. Of these proceeds, 45% has been reinvested by the communities in sustainable forest management; such as health insurance, safety equipment and patrols. The rest of the proceeds are used to improve well-being, medical care for pregnant women and education.

A total of 15,049 seedlings have been planted. These are native species, as well as exotic commercial species and fruit-bearing trees. The local population is heavily involved in this, to make them aware of the importance of taking good care of the forests. 9 New camera traps have been placed. They have observed 18 animal and bird species, which paints a good picture of the biodiversity. It is also a good indication that this area is excellent for ecotourism, and thus generate income in an environmentally friendly way. MCDI has taught 9 beekeepers ways to increase their yield without killing the bees. And they educated 307 people about planting trees, sustainable forest management and how their communities can get the most out of forests. Despite all the current Corona perils and the resulting limited resources, MCDI was able to do a lot of good work!

Sumatran Orangutan Society (SOS), Sumatra

On Sumatra, some of OIC’s restoration staff live on site. They have been able to continue their tree planting despite the lockdowns, planting an impressive 132,856 seedlings. As a result, more than 228 hectares of land have been restored. The three HOCRU (Human Orangutan Conflict Response Unit) teams also worked hard during the lockdown. They rescued 22 orangutans and brought them to safe areas or rehabilitation centers. Due to the Corona pandemic, Indonesian national parks are closed. As a result, hundreds of families suddenly had to do without work and therefore income. SOS has collected money and distributed food parcels to 558 families Bukit Lawang, Ketambe and Tangkahan. SOS is very grateful to have achieved so much with the help of all their partners and supporters.