By empowering locals to restore and protect forests, the organization helps reverse extreme poverty, global deforestation, as well as habitat loss for endangered species.

At the heart of their mission is the goal to holistically transform the communities they work with, starting with a bottom-up approach: EDEN REFORESTATION PROJECTS’ first connections are therefore always with local communities and leaders, providing economic incentives and skills, such as planting techniques.

“The socio-economic benefits of reliable employment are significant. Parents who were once unable to put food on the table and pay their children’s school fees can now consistently provide healthy meals for their families and send their kids to school”, says the organization. “Microenterprises pop up throughout the communities we work with, further improving the region’s economy.”

In return, the communities guide the organization to planting opportunities and build citizens’ commitment to restoring and protecting the forest. As EDEN REFORESTATION PROJECTS restore the forest canopy, leaf litter, nature begins to heal, water and wildlife return.

Today, EDEN REFORESTATION PROJECTS operate in ten countries and plant nearly a million trees a day. They maintain outcomes even when faced with critical situations, such as civic unrest or extreme weather: “Many of our leaders grew up in a culture other than their country of nationality. As a result, they relate well to the communities and work effectively in remote, poverty-stricken settings”, says the organization. “They are willing to catch a four-foot-long iguana, deter elephants from trampling nurseries, and handle being held at gunpoint by thugs. Despite political unrest, civil wars, major storms, earthquakes, warlords, bandits, thugs, poachers, and wildlife, they continue to plant.”