A tree seedling for reforestation in Central America

Tree by tree against climate change

Tens of thousands of trees are used to preserve water sources and soil in Central America

Actually, the matter is quite simple: Where trees grow, there is also water and fertile soil. The roots of the trees strengthen the soil so that more rainwater seeps away instead of running away. This increases the groundwater level and the soil quality is maintained. Reason enough, you would think, to protect the forests! But in Central America, plantations are spreading while ever larger areas are being deforested. This worsens the already extreme consequences of climate change that people there are already struggling with: Most recently in November 2020, two hurricanes caused severe devastation (INKOTA, 2020a). Due to high greenhouse gas emissions, Germany bears great responsibility for the global climate crisis and thus also for the increase in extreme weather events in Central America. The high demand for biofuels, palm oil and bananas is also leading to more and more tropical forest areas disappearing there (CIR, 2019).

need

Reforestation of deforested watersheds and hillsides to secure the livelihoods of small farming families in Central America.

activity

Community residents plant 80,000 trees to protect water sources and slopes.

Measurable performance

Number of tree seedlings planted in the watersheds and on the slopes.

Result

After about three years: The planted trees grow well, increase the groundwater level and improve soil fertility.

Systemically relevant impact

Community residents have secure access to water, their crops are more productive and their food security is improved.

background

The global climate risk index (Germanwatch, 2021) shows that Central America is already one of the world's regions most affected by climate change. Rising temperatures, recurring droughts, increasing deforestation - the Centro Humboldt (2020), a partner organization of INKOTA in Nicaragua, therefore speaks of a "deepening environmental crisis". However, the governments of the INKOTA project countries Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala have not yet developed sustainable policies to protect natural resources such as forests and water. On the contrary: existing forest areas are shrinking almost inexorably and trees are still being felled even in source areas. As a result, rainwater runs off and water sources become weaker - some even dry up completely. Large agricultural companies are making the situation even worse: they use ever deeper wells to irrigate their plantations, for example for growing sugar cane. Small farming families are particularly affected. They depend on their harvests, but access to water is becoming increasingly poor. "We must take action now, both collectively and individually! Otherwise we may miss our last chance to stop climate change," warns Víctor Campos from Centro Humboldt. "Reforestation is an effective weapon against climate change. Seedling by seedling and tree by tree, we improve the microclimate and the water sources can recover."

18 counties in El Salvador, Nicaragua and Guatemala El Salvador

The good deed

With your donation, you help to reforest slopes and water source catchment areas in 18 districts in El Salvador, Nicaragua and Guatemala. Every good deed makes it possible to plant a tree. INKOTA's partner organizations, together with the project participants, set up tree nurseries, plant the seedlings and integrate trees into pastures and arable land. Reforestation makes an important contribution to environmental and forest protection. More than 65,000 people benefit from this. Slopes can be stabilized by trees as they offer protection against erosion and landslides. Agricultural areas that integrate trees are more resilient to droughts, which are becoming more common in the wake of the climate crisis (INKOTA, 2020b). In addition, many of the trees planted are fruit trees that contribute to a healthier diet. Mangos and oranges can improve the health of children in dozens of poverty-stricken communities and thus enable a better future. The trees planted contribute to adaptation to climate change.

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