Reforestation and tree planting abroad: what is it, why should you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is reforestation and tree planting abroad and why is it done?

• Reforestation involves planting trees and shrubs in places where they have previously disappeared due to logging, flooding or forest fires.
• In many areas, planting trees helps to absorb or reduce the effects of climate change.
• In coastal areas, mangrove forests are planted to break waves, prevent land from being washed away and provide fish with a place to read.
• In dry areas, new trees provide shade, prevent erosion and desertification of the landscape.
• In reforestation projects and activities, attention is often also paid to restoring biodiversity by using various local tree species, which benefits local animal species.
• Many projects have their own nursery where small trees are grown from seeds.

What does working in a reforestation project involve?

• You can help care for the young trees (seedlings) at the nursery.
• You plant the small trees at selected locations.
• You care for the trees after they have been planted, for example by weeding, watering or placing protection against cattle and other grazers.
• You teach local communities about biodiversity, the benefits of reforestation for the local economy, for example.
• If you have a background in horticulture, forestry or water management, you can help train local employees or, for example, carry out a research internship on the results of the project.

• Being environmentally aware: for example, by taking your surroundings into account, carefully storing your waste, minimizing water use and understanding the complex relationship between soil, plants and people.
• Being organizationally aware: environmental clubs and nature conservation organizations are often run by a special breed of very committed people. In addition, these are organizations that often have few resources and have to fight against local bureaucracy.
• Empathy: being aware of those circumstances is sometimes half the battle if you want to understand the behavior of the employees of a project, or your direct fellow helpers.

What are the best places to go to slow or reverse desertification?

• Spain
• Egypt 
• Morocco
• Kenya

What are the best places to go to restore mangrove forests?

• Bonaire
• Sri Lanka
• Madagascar

What are the best places to go to restore rainforests?

• Brazil
• Ecuador
• Panama
• Indonesia