Hi,

While forests play a massive role in the wellbeing of both the planet and humanity, 15 billion trees are lost every year through deforestation.¹ Over 80% of terrestrial species call forests home, and trees help provide clean air and water, as well as boost the resilience of ecosystems. Over 25% of medications use ingredients from rainforest plants, and around 1.6 billion people rely on forests for their livelihoods and nutrition.²

While the issues facing our forests are dire, hope is not lost. EARTHDAY.ORG’s The Canopy Project® is restoring  biodiversity and helping communities impacted by deforestation by planting trees and furthering education. Since 2010, the Canopy Project has planted tens of millions of trees through community-centered planting. 

You can help to sequester carbon to mitigate climate change, reduce flood impacts, and restore biodiversity by supporting the Canopy Project. As little as $1 plants a tree.

One current project is in Bangladesh, where efforts are underway to plant 100,000 native mangrove saplings. These saplings, planted along riverbanks, help mitigate flooding, and make it easier to launch boats from the shore. The project also will create habitat for crab, fish, and shrimp populations. This increase of local marine life also helps drive local earnings for fishers.

This is a community-led effort, and EARTHDAY‍.ORG’s regional experts are working with the community so that local farmers have all the support and training they need to care for the newly planted trees. The project directly benefits roughly 60 families, comprising over 300 people, many of whom are women and other individuals belonging to vulnerable populations.

Earth Month is all about honoring our planet through our collective action. From governments to individuals, everyone has the ability to create immense change.

You can spark change that lasts for generations by supporting the Canopy Project.

Together,

Kathleen Rogers
President

Footnotes:

1. The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/sep/02/scientists-reveal-there-are-3tn-trees-in-world-new-count

2. United Nations Economic Commission for Europe: https://unece.org/forestry/news/10-facts-fall-love-forests