Trees and Bees Reforestation and Conservation Project
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Experts agree that reforesting our planet is critical if we are to reverse biodiversity loss and head off the worst of climate change. Because trees provide habitat to a number of species, store water, absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis, they are one of our best allies. Additionally, pollinating insects are our lifeline.
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It’s against that backdrop that we strive to continuously plant, conserve, reforest and protect indigenous habitats that support pollinating insects.
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We will plant these trees in areas where precious forested ecosystems such as forests, mangroves – hotspots for biodiversity – have been depleted. As we restore the forests, we will be careful to also protect and restore other valuable ecosystems such as wetlands, peatlands and grasslands.
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Insetting and offsetting approach
We will work with companies and organizations to develop and deploy carbon reforestation offsetting programs, which is the planting of trees in a location different from where the company’s greenhouse gas emissions originate.
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We will also encourage the development and deployment of an 'insetting' approach where trees are planted within the organization's supply chains, on the very farms (or/and in their immediate surroundings) where their raw materials are grown and harvested – applying agroforestry principles or taking a forest restoration approach. All trees will be planted under the supervision of the World Resources Institute, a leading environmental organization in the field of sustainable agriculture.
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Nature-based solutions
This reforestation approach represents one promising nature-based solution in the fight against climate change – trees proving even more adept at capturing carbon than regenerative or conversation agriculture.
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Plants and trees have the ability to store water but also to provide water and nutrients to plants that are grown around them. As a result, farmers using agroforestry in the organization's supply chains are able to use less water, while achieving greater crop yields.
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By holding soil in place with their roots and by reducing rainfall impact with their foliage, trees also prevent soil erosion. And because they provide a natural habitat to many species, they will help us to boost biodiversity in areas where it has declined.
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A win-win
Ultimately, everyone stands to benefit – including farmers and their communities. Their farms will become more efficient, more climate-friendly and more climate-resilient, just as extreme weather events are expected to become more frequent.
Our efforts will help regenerate the ecosystems we depend upon, grow more sustainably, while strengthening relationships – small and large ones alike.
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Not either/or
Our reforestation and pollinating insect program comes in addition to our ongoing efforts to eradicate deforestation.
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We remain entirely committed to stamping out deforestation and preserving ecosystems friendly to pollinating insects.
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Our approach to reforestation and conservation – while mitigating carbon emissions is in line with our ambition to achieve significantly less greenhouse gas emissions leading to a cleaner and more lively planet for everyone.