THE IMPORTANCE OF FIGHTING DEFORESTATION AND SUPPORTING THE WORLD LAND TRUST
Environmental issues are on the agenda more than ever. And rightly so! We lose almost 5 million hectares of forest every year (SOURCE: Hannah Ritchie). All sectors of activity play a part in this phenomenon, including the maritime sector, where many boats and yachts are made from wood. Traditionally, little has been done to restore the areas where timber is harvested. However, the World Land Trust (WLT) has been supporting the worst-affected areas for many years and shows no signs of stopping.
WLT is an environmental charity that plants trees in tropical and subtropical rainforests. It carefully selects forests according to the areas most in need of protection. In 2020, Flexiteek partnered with WLT as part of their “Plant a Tree” program. The association has pledged to donate £5 for every 10 m² of Flexiteek 2G synthetic teak sold worldwide. With Flexiteek’s support, over 30,000 trees have been planted by WLT.
An area of Atlantic forest reforested by World Land Trust with the support of Flexiteek International.
THE “PLANT A TREE” PROGRAM: JUDICIOUS TREE SELECTION AND THOUGHTFUL PLANTING
Why trees? Trees have many ecological and environmental benefits that restore and benefit the world around us. Trees reduce air pollution by acting as natural air filters, trapping pollutants and carbon dioxide and releasing clean oxygen. In this way, they provide habitats for the animals that need them to survive, both individually and as a species. WLT has set up the “Plant a Tree” program to contribute to global reforestation efforts. It’s also about repairing damaged ecosystems, restoring those that have been lost and balancing the effects of climate change.
This doesn’t mean that WLT simply throws random seeds into a random location and never looks back. On the contrary, WLT partners collect seeds from native trees that will benefit the target area or are themselves in danger of extinction. This selection involves factors such as the balance between trees that establish quickly and stand up well to competition from invasive vegetation, and slower-growing trees that offer greater biodiversity value. Another factor to consider is whether the seeds develop into fruit trees. These trees can provide food and nutrients for flora and fauna, and encourage the return of species to previously barren areas.
MONITORING AND MAINTAINING TREE GROWTH: SUPPORTING BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
Once collected, the seeds are planted in nurseries supervised by local staff, until they are deemed ready. The seedlings are then transplanted into the wild. They are then monitored and nurtured for the first 3 to 4 years, and if a tree dies during this period, it is replaced. Growing trees are then nurtured and monitored for at least 10 years, until they reach maturity. Natural mortality is then less likely.
This approach is adopted for every tree, in every protected area. All this contributes to increasing biodiversity, which is essential for a healthy natural world.
Donate to WLT or consider forming a corporate partnership to make a significant impact and contribute to positive change for the environment.
Photo credits : World Land Trust
Find out more about Flexiteek’s commitment to the environment.
For more information on the World Land Trust.
