Trees and Bees Reforestation and Conservation Project
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.
It’s against that backdrop that we strive to continuously plant, conserve, reforest and protect indigenous habitats that support pollinating insects.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Not either/or
Our reforestation and pollinating insect program comes in addition to our ongoing efforts to eradicate deforestation.
We remain entirely committed to stamping out deforestation and preserving ecosystems friendly to pollinating insects.
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.