International Tree Foundation

It's clear that climate change, caused by human activity and deforestation, is having a huge impact on our ecosystems. Natural disasters like floods, droughts, and mudslides are getting worse, putting the well-being, food, and water security of millions of people at risk. But here's some good news! Nature-based solutions give us a sustainable way to tackle these challenges and take care of our planet.  Nature-based solutions to combat climate change: 🌳 Tree planting and reforestation: Trees absorb CO₂, restore ecosystems, and provide habitats for wildlife. 🏞️ Wetland restoration: Wetlands act as natural buffers against floods, filter water, and provide critical wildlife habitats. 🏙️ Urban green spaces: Parks and green roofs reduce urban heat, improve air quality, and enhance community wellbeing. 🌊 Coastal ecosystem management: Protecting mangroves shields coastlines from storms and supports marine life. At International Tree Foundation, we work with local communities to plant and grow native trees, restore forests, and protect vital habitats. Our holistic approach transforms landscapes, mitigates natural disasters, and builds resilience to climate change, all while providing training, workshops, and sustainable jobs that transform lives. Join us in celebrating World Nature Conservation Day by supporting nature-based solutions to restore nature and create a sustainable future for wildlife, people, and the planet.  #WorldNatureConservationDay #ClimateAction #NatureBasedSolutions  #SustainableFuture 

Threatened trees are growing here. Trees like the African cherry - nicknamed '"red stinkwood", but loved for the medicine taken from its bark. Trees like the Markham lutea - another treasure trove of traditional medicine, treating everything from toothache to malaria. Trees like the musizi, or umbrella tree, whose spreading crown creates pools of cool shade for people, plants and wildlife. Soon these beautiful, precious trees will fill the forests once again.

Our colleague Edwin Mwiti found this majestic waterberry tree - an incredible species that can grow up to 25 metres high! It stood alone, a poignant reminder of how such giant trees used to tower over the landscape. But in the next picture you can see a little waterberry seedling! This little one was planted with our partner, Perur Rays of Hope, alongside 20,000 native forest trees and 30,000 fruit trees. Together, they will restore the forest, fight food poverty and create new incomes in West Pokot, Kenya. Thank you to all the businesses that support ITF. This is the kind of work you help accomplish! #restoration #plantmoretrees #companytreeplanting 

If you take a trip by plane there is often the choice to ‘offset’ the carbon emitted by your flight. To do this you buy carbon credits. Essentially someone, somewhere, has committed to taking carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere equivalent to what you produced by flying – by planting trees for example. But this is a flawed system, one mired in scandal, particularly when it comes to nature restoration. And there is a growing concern about an increasing reliance on these carbon markets. The focus on using a market mechanism means that corners will often be cut to reach a lower price. That could mean that land rights aren’t respected, appropriate tree species aren’t considered or that wider benefits are stripped back to a bare minimum. It’s a complex system and often more than 50% of the price of the credit goes to middlemen rather than to where the money matters most. And there’s a worrying power imbalance between the middlemen and the planters. Our relationship with trees and nature is not a transactional one and that turning nature into a tradeable commodity doesn’t bode well. So what’s the alternative?  https://lnkd.in/dkwufSwf

We’re rehabilitating 75 hectares of Kabujoi Forest, with our partner, WWANC in Nandi County, Kenya. So far, we have planted 40,000 trees, with double that still to come. It’s a massive task! More than 150 community members have been involved in both preparing the site and planting the trees. However, the site has been invaded by mauritius thorn, an invasive species, which is slowing our progress. The local community are working hard to clear this difficult and thorny species so that step by step, we will be able to restore the forest to its former glory.

Love trees? Want to use your skills and talents to help plant more for people and planet? Well, we’re hiring! We're looking for someone with a passion for building relationships and experience in fundraising to join us as our Senior Corporate Engagement Officer.  Head to our website to read the JD.  https://lnkd.in/ecHh2xB4 #charityjobs #hiring 

If you take a trip by plane there is often the choice to ‘offset’ the carbon emitted by your flight. But are these carbon credits actually doing good? And is there a better way? In his latest blog, our CEO, James Whitehead explores the carbon conversation.  https://lnkd.in/dkwufSwf

We're hiring a new team member in the UK! If you love trees and have a background in fundraising and corporate partnerships then do check out the job description. #hiring #charityjob https://lnkd.in/e9asbSaP

If you're at Groundswell today, come and say hi to the ITF team. We're here to talk about all things trees. Head to our stand at MS27. #groundswell2024 #regenag

We're delighted to welcome Tom Lupton as the new Chair of ITF! His love of trees, Chair experience and long career in forestry and agriculture make him a perfect fit for the role. Tom's also lived in Eswatini and Tanzania, giving him a great love for our work in Africa, restoring forests, protecting landscapes and empowering local people.  “I have had a lifelong love of trees and the privilege of being involved in tree planting initiatives in both Africa and the UK," says Tom. "The opportunity to join ITF seems a natural fit, and a great way to put my skills and time to good use." We're looking forward to a new chapter with Tom at the head, working with him to plant, promote and protect trees for the benefit of people and planet. Left to right: James Whitehead - CEO, Tom Lupton - Chair, Mercy Kimani - Kenya Programmes Manager, and Wycliffe Matika - Africa Programmes Manager.