Climate Action and Ecosystem Restoration Archives

United for the Planet: A Holistic View of World Environment Day

Every June 5th, the world comes together to reflect and take action to care for our common home. In 2025, at Forest Friends, we want to celebrate World Environment Day by echoing the key messages we’ve shared alongside Green Initiative through a series of four articles that addressed the environmental urgency from different perspectives. A Day with History and Purpose World Environment Day is not just a commemorative date, but a global call to action that has grown stronger since it was created by the UN in 1972, coinciding with the historic Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. Over more than five decades, this date has addressed topics ranging from species conservation to ecosystem restoration and the circular economy, becoming the world’s most important platform for environmental awareness. In 2025, under the theme #BeatPlasticPollution, it highlights the urgent need to halt one of today’s greatest environmental threats, as global plastic production reaches 400 million tons annually. The Importance of Caring for What Cares for Us Caring for the environment means caring for the foundation of our lives: the ecosystem services that provide us with natural resources, biodiversity, clean air, and drinking water. The numbers are striking: air pollution causes approximately 7 million premature deaths each year, while global deforestation exceeds 10 million hectares annually. Combating deforestation, pollution, and global warming is not just an institutional responsibility — it’s a collective task where every individual action matters. Research shows that 85% of species assessed by the IUCN are threatened by habitat loss and degradation, making conservation an urgent priority for global biodiversity survival. Plastics Under the Spotlight: Strategies and Contrasts Plastic pollution was the central theme this year, with Jeju Island (South Korea) as the official host. This region has implemented effective local policies, achieving recycling rates over 73% for plastic packaging and reducing per capita plastic bag consumption by 67% between 2018 and 2023. In contrast, Latin America generates approximately 541,000 tons of plastic waste daily, of which only 4.8% is effectively recycled. However, promising initiatives are emerging, such as measuring the carbon footprint of waste, environmental education, and decarbonization as part of a comprehensive solution. Evidence shows that interventions combining economic, regulatory, and educational instruments can reduce the consumption of problematic plastic products by 20-50% in the first year of implementation. Restoring Our Forests: An Urgent and Hopeful Action At Forest Friends, we celebrate Environment Day with our hands in the soil. Our restoration projects take place in biodiversity hotspots critically important to global conservation. Madre de Dios: A Biodiversity Treasure in Peru In Madre de Dios, one of the hotspots where we work in Peru, more than 4,000 species of vascular plants have been recorded, including a high percentage of endemic species found nowhere else in the world. However, this region has lost significant portions of its original forest cover due to gold mining and other human activities. Our partners, such as Kuoda Travel and WorldXchange, are planting trees in this region as part of their climate and ecological restoration commitments, in partnership with local ally Inkaterra: Kuoda Travel promotes regenerative tourism, involving tourists by offsetting their carbon footprint and planting trees proportional to their impact. Since 2022, they have planted 1,125 trees and added 300 more to celebrate this important date, reaching a total of 1,425 trees. WorldXchange has participated in various initiatives, including Milagros, an Extraordinary Bear, a project that certified the first animated film as climate positive and launched the “Milagros and Friends” planting campaign. With the support of partners like Luz del Sur, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), and MAPFRE, they surpassed the goal of 1,000 proposed trees. Now, WorldXchange adds 150 trees to commemorate Environment Day, moving closer to their goal of 1,000 trees by 2030. Costa Rica: Restoring the Osa Peninsula Other organizations have joined Forest Friends to support the restoration of key ecosystems such as the Osa Peninsula, which holds 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity in just 700 km², with support from Fundación Saimiri. Tulu Travel and Swetours promote regenerative tourism, offsetting carbon footprints and restoring ecosystems by planting native species. Since 2021, they have planted 1,151 trees while raising awareness among tourists visiting Costa Rica. CEPA – Customized Educational Programs Abroad has also been planting trees since 2021. Although they initially planted as part of their own commitments, since 2023 they’ve shifted focus to their students: now planting a tree for each participant in their courses developed with over 60 partner universities, totaling more than 6,800 trees planted. Kuoda Travel WorldXChange Tulu Travel Swetours CEPA Beyond Planting: Science and Community This work doesn’t end with planting. Scientific monitoring, local species selection, and community involvement are key. Research shows that plantations with diverse native species have survival rates above 85% after five years, compared to 40-60% for exotic species. Inkaterra operates a genetic lab to study endemic species, generating vital knowledge for monitoring and scientific research. One of their key publications highlights the conservation of native orchids found at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel and their importance to global biodiversity. Similarly, Fundación Saimiri collaborates with volunteer specialists and researchers from planting and monitoring to publishing scientific articles. A Call to Action At Forest Friends, we believe protecting our ecosystems goes hand in hand with reducing the pollution that harms them. Restored forests in the Amazon can sequester between 150-200 tons of CO₂ per hectare over 30 years, contributing significantly to national emission reduction targets and the global goals of the Paris Agreement. On this World Environment Day, we invite you to join the #BeatPlasticPollution movement and celebrate life by restoring what we’ve lost. Planting trees, reducing our impact, and acting consciously is how we honor nature — and ourselves. I Want To Support Now

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Final Days of Our Earth Day Campaign: Plant a Tree, Leave a Legacy

Earth Day is more than just a celebration—it’s a global reminder that the future of our planet depends on the actions we take today. At Forest Friends, we believe in turning that awareness into action. That’s why we launched our Earth Day campaign with a powerful promise: for every tree you plant, we’ll plant one more. And now, as the campaign nears its end on April 30, this is your final chance to double your impact and be part of something truly meaningful. Yes, I Want To Support Why This Campaign Matters Reforestation isn’t just about trees. It’s about restoring ecosystems, preserving biodiversity, and helping communities around the world build climate resilience. Through Forest Friends, your trees are planted in areas that need it most—like the Amazon rainforest in Peru, where deforestation threatens native species, or the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Every tree planted contributes to cleaner air, healthier soils, and a more stable climate. But perhaps most importantly, each tree represents hope—for our planet and future generations. Yes, I Want To Support Double the Trees, Double the Impact Through April 30, when you plant one tree, we’ll plant one more—at no extra cost to you. This “Buy One, Gift One” (BOGO) model allows us to amplify the impact of each action. Whether you’re planting one tree or 100, your choice sends a clear message: nature matters. Yes, I Want To Support Where Your Trees Go 🌳 Peru – Amazon BasinHelp restore degraded rainforest zones and protect indigenous flora and fauna. 🌿 Costa Rica – Osa PeninsulaSupport reforestation efforts in one of the world’s most vital biodiversity hotspots. All plantings are monitored by our trusted partners and include GPS coordinates so you can follow your trees’ journey. Inkaterra Association Saimiri Foundation Yes, I Want To Support How You Can Join Getting involved is simple. In just a few clicks, you can choose your tree, pick your region, and make a lasting impact. Whether you’re supporting as an individual, honoring someone you love, or contributing on behalf of a company, you’re helping shape a climate-positive future. Yes, I Want To Support ⏳ Final Days to Act The campaign ends April 30 at 11:59 PM. Don’t miss this chance to make your Earth Day count. 👉 Support Now and Plant a Tree Together, we grow forests—and hope.

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How Native Tree Planting Restores Ecosystem Biodiversity and Captures Carbon Emissions

Leave a Comment / Climate Action and Ecosystem Restoration, Knowledge Hub / Forest Friends

Why Native Tree Planting Matters for Climate and Ecosystem Health As climate change and biodiversity loss accelerate, planting native trees has emerged as a powerful tool in addressing both environmental crises. Unlike non-native species, native trees are specifically adapted to the local environment, supporting ecosystems by providing essential habitats and resilience to native flora and fauna. Beyond biodiversity, native tree planting also contributes to carbon sequestration, a critical process in which trees absorb and store carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere. This article explores the dual benefits of planting native trees: their role in restoring ecosystems and their capacity to their capacity to facilitate natural carbon capture. How Native Trees Restore Ecosystem Biodiversity Native tree planting is a cornerstone of ecosystem restoration because it helps to reestablish habitats, nurture biodiversity, and create resilience within local ecosystems. Creating Habitats for Local Wildlife: Native trees provide essential shelter, food, and nesting sites for local wildlife, from birds and insects to mammals and reptiles. Because these trees co-evolved with native species, they help maintain critical ecological relationships, such as pollination and seed dispersal, which are key to sustaining biodiversity. Strengthening Ecosystem Resilience: Native trees are adapted to their region’s specific climate, soil, and ecological conditions, allowing them to thrive and resist local pests and diseases better than non-native species. By stabilizing soils, reducing erosion, and supporting a wide range of organisms, native trees help build resilient ecosystems capable of withstanding environmental changes. Reducing Invasive Species Impact: Invasive species are often a significant threat to ecosystems, competing with native plants and disrupting natural balances. By reintroducing native trees, these projects help restore the natural balance, reducing the prevalence and impact of invasive species and creating healthier, more diverse ecosystems. The Role of Native Trees in Carbon Sequestration Native trees not only support biodiversity but also play a significant role in carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. How Native Trees Absorb and Store Carbon: Through photosynthesis, trees absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere and store it in their biomass (trunks, branches, and leaves) and the surrounding soil. This process reduces atmospheric CO₂, helping to lower greenhouse gas concentrations. Long-Term Carbon Storage: Mature trees act as long-term carbon sinks, storing carbon over decades or even centuries. Because native trees have a higher likelihood of survival and resilience, they provide reliable long-term carbon storage, making them ideal for sustainable natural carbon capture initiatives. Why Native Trees Are Ideal for Natural Carbon Capture Initiatives: Native trees are well-suited to their environment, meaning they’re more likely to reach maturity and store carbon effectively. Unlike non-native species, which may struggle to adapt, native trees contribute positively to both climate goals and local biodiversity, making them an effective and sustainable choice for reforestation and natural carbon capture efforts. Additional Environmental Benefits of Native Tree Planting Beyond supporting biodiversity and capturing carbon, native trees provide additional environmental benefits that are crucial for sustainable ecosystems. Improving Soil Health: Native trees enrich the soil through their root systems and decomposing organic matter, increasing water retention, promoting soil biodiversity, and reducing erosion. This creates fertile ground for other native plants and enhances overall ecosystem productivity. Enhancing Water Cycle Regulation: By capturing and releasing water, native trees help regulate the water cycle, mitigating the impacts of droughts and floods and improving water availability for plants, animals, and human communities. Reducing Air and Water Pollution: Native forests filter pollutants from the air and water, acting as natural purifiers. Through their roots and leaves, trees capture airborne and waterborne contaminants, improving local air quality and protecting nearby water resources. How Individuals Can Support Native Tree Planting for Biodiversity and Natural Carbon Capture Planting native trees is an impactful way for individuals to contribute to both ecosystem restoration and carbon offsetting. Here are a few ways to get started: Plant Native Trees Locally: By planting native trees in your garden, local parks, or community spaces, you contribute directly to the local ecosystem. Choose species that are native to your region and suited to the specific habitat you are planting in. Participate in Reforestation Programs: Support reforestation programs that prioritize native species. You can either volunteer or make donations to organizations working to restore native habitats through tree planting. Contribute to Natural Carbon Capture: Calculate your personal carbon footprint and support certified reforestation projects focused on native tree planting. This allows you to make a direct impact on both climate and biodiversity. How Businesses Can Incorporate Native Tree Planting into Sustainability Goals Native tree planting provides an excellent opportunity for businesses to meet their carbon emissions reduction goals, engage with their community, and enhance their sustainability practices. Native Tree Planting as Part of a Natural Carbon Capture Strategy: Businesses can incorporate native tree planting as part of their sustainability strategy by setting measurable goals to reduce emissions and facilitate natural carbon capture for unavoidable emissions. Partnering with reforestation organizations that focus on native species ensures a sustainable and biodiversity-friendly approach. Engaging Employees and Customers in Native Tree Planting: Employee Engagement Programs: Organize volunteer days where employees plant native trees or participate in local restoration projects. Customer-Focused Initiatives: Offer customers the opportunity to participate by planting a tree for every purchase or donation. This not only benefits the environment but also strengthens brand loyalty and customer trust. Reporting and Certification: To verify the impact of their efforts, businesses should work with certified reforestation programs that prioritize native species and track carbon sequestration. Including native tree-planting initiatives in sustainability reports also enhances credibility and accountability with stakeholders. Success Stories in Native Tree Planting for Biodiversity and Natural Carbon Capture Community Reforestation Project Restoring Native Habitats: A local community and businesses came together to replant native trees in a degraded area. This project restored wildlife habitats, improved biodiversity, and facilitated natural carbon capture while engaging residents in a meaningful environmental initiative. A Corporate Partnership for Native Reforestation: A company partnered with a reforestation organization to plant native trees as part of their carbon emissions reduction strategy. The project successfully reduced

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What is Regenerative Travel and Tourism? A Guide for Tourists and Businesses

Leave a Comment / Climate Action and Ecosystem Restoration, Knowledge Hub, Regenerative Travel and Tourism, Sustainable Living and Personal Actions / Forest Friends

In recent years, the concept of regenerative travel and tourism has gained traction, moving beyond traditional sustainability to create a net-positive impact on the destinations visited. Unlike sustainable travel, which focuses on reducing harm, regenerative travel seeks to restore, enrich, and actively improve ecosystems, local communities, and cultural sites. As travelers and tourism businesses strive to reduce their environmental footprint, regenerative travel offers a compelling way to give back to the planet. This guide provides insights and practical steps for tourists and businesses alike to adopt regenerative practices, enhancing both the visitor experience and the health of the places they explore. What Makes Regenerative Travel and Tourism Different from Sustainable Travel? The terms sustainable travel and regenerative travel are often used interchangeably, but there are key distinctions between them: Sustainable Travel: Aims to minimize environmental harm by reducing resource use, waste, and carbon emissions, focusing on practices that protect existing resources. Regenerative Travel: Goes beyond sustainability by actively working to restore and enhance the environment, local communities, and cultures. Regenerative travel creates a net-positive impact, leaving destinations in a better state than before. Examples of Regenerative Actions: Regenerative travel includes actions like supporting reforestation projects, restoring habitats, participating in local conservation efforts, and investing in community development—ensuring that both nature and communities benefit from tourism. The Benefits of Regenerative Travel and Tourism Environmental Benefits: Regenerative travel promotes ecosystem restoration, supports biodiversity, and increases climate resilience. Projects such as reforestation, soil regeneration, and wetland restoration help to rebuild natural systems, making destinations healthier and more resilient to climate change. Economic and Social Benefits: Support for Local Communities: Regenerative tourism typically involves partnerships with local communities, creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and fostering economic stability. Cultural Preservation: It values genuine engagement with local culture, helping to preserve traditional practices, support artisans, and maintain cultural heritage. Enhanced Travel Experience: For tourists, regenerative travel offers a more meaningful connection to the places they visit, deepening their understanding of local ecosystems, cultures, and histories. Travelers experience a sense of purpose, knowing their presence has contributed positively to the area. How Tourists Can Embrace Regenerative Travel and Tourism Regenerative travel isn’t limited to businesses; tourists can also make conscious choices that contribute to this movement. Here’s how: Choosing Regenerative Travel Experiences: Research Accommodations: Seek out eco-lodges and hotels that actively engage in conservation, use renewable energy, and support the local environment. Certifications like those from Forest Friends can indicate commitment to regenerative practices. Select Responsible Tour Operators: Choose operators who support local economies, use eco-friendly practices, and invest in environmental restoration efforts. Contribute to Restoration Efforts: Participate in Reforestation or Clean-Up Projects: Many destinations offer opportunities for travelers to participate in tree planting, wildlife monitoring, or beach clean-ups, providing a hands-on way to help the environment. Offset Carbon Footprint: Tourists can offset their travel emissions by supporting reforestation and carbon sequestration projects, directly reducing the environmental impact of flights and other travel activities. Respect Local Cultures and Ecosystems: Engage Respectfully: Take part in cultural experiences with an open mind, support local artisans, and learn about the destination’s cultural heritage in a way that honors local traditions. Practice Low-Impact Tourism: Be mindful of resource use, minimize waste, and practice eco-friendly behaviors, ensuring that every visit respects the natural and cultural integrity of the destination. How Businesses Can Implement Regenerative Travel and Tourism Practices For tourism businesses, adopting regenerative practices can build brand loyalty, meet regulatory standards, and make a tangible impact on destinations. Here are some ways to get started: Develop Regenerative Travel Packages and Programs: Offer Conservation-Focused Experiences: Create travel packages that include conservation activities, such as guided nature walks, wildlife monitoring, or participation in restoration projects, which educate and inspire guests. Partner with Environmental Organizations: Collaborate with organizations like Forest Friends to fund and develop initiatives, such as tree planting or habitat restoration, which both guests and local communities can participate in. Engage and Support Local Communities: Promote Local Ownership and Employment: Prioritize partnerships with locally owned businesses, and hire community members, helping to ensure tourism dollars benefit the local economy. Invest in Community Projects: Support local education, healthcare, and infrastructure initiatives, showing a direct commitment to the well-being of the community. Commit to Sustainable Operations: Reduce Environmental Impact: Use renewable energy sources, implement waste-reduction programs, and minimize single-use plastics to reduce the business’s overall footprint. Set and Track Regenerative Goals: Establish measurable goals—like the number of trees planted, areas restored, or waste reduced—and report on progress to build credibility and attract eco-conscious travelers. Regenerative Travel and Tourism in Action An Eco-Lodge Restoring Local Habitat: An eco-lodge in a coastal region actively engages in local ecosystem restoration, from replanting native species and managing invasive species to creating wildlife corridors. Guests can join tree-planting activities and learn about local ecology, creating a meaningful, immersive experience. A Tour Company Supporting Community Projects: A tour operator dedicates part of its revenue to fund local schools, support healthcare initiatives, and maintain cultural sites, showing that regenerative tourism can be a powerful tool for social benefit. A Destination Investing in Reforestation: In response to deforestation, a travel company sponsors large-scale reforestation projects to restore degraded lands, helping reintroduce native species and promote biodiversity for future generations. How to Get Started with Regenerative Travel and Tourism For Tourists: Make Informed Choices: Research destinations and travel operators committed to regenerative practices. Offset Travel Impact: Calculate and offset the carbon footprint of your travel by supporting reforestation and other regenerative projects. For Businesses: Seek Certification: Pursue certifications like Forest Friends’ that validate regenerative efforts and help communicate credibility. Communicate Your Impact: Share stories and data about regenerative initiatives with customers, showing how their participation contributes to positive environmental change. A Call to Action for Regenerative Travel Regenerative travel has the power to change tourism for the better, making it a force for restoration rather than degradation. Whether you’re a tourist seeking a meaningful travel experience or a business looking to build a sustainable model, embracing regenerative travel allows us to give back to

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Climate Action and Ecosystem Restoration

United for the Planet: A Holistic View of World Environment Day

Final Days of Our Earth Day Campaign: Plant a Tree, Leave a Legacy

How Native Tree Planting Restores Ecosystem Biodiversity and Captures Carbon Emissions

What is Regenerative Travel and Tourism? A Guide for Tourists and Businesses

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