Eric Sturdza Investments to plant 65,000 mangrove trees in Madagascar

We are delighted to have been able to support the fantastic work of the Eden Reforestation Projects (“Eden”) over the last few years as part of our charitable giving program, which to date has resulted in the planting of approximately 115,000 trees.

Eden’s work seeks to address a number of the issues caused by deforestation. Deforestation is a global phenomenon caused by a variety of factors. These factors range from large-scale slash and burn practices, to unsustainable agriculture, to daily community forest destruction. To counteract this, Eden adopts a holistic approach to reforestation and ecological restoration, which includes:

Eden’s national leaders partner with villages that are committed to restoring their forests.
Hiring and training people from local communities to plant new trees.
Planting native tree species.
The communities protect their new forests because they have a vested interest in them.

Eden Reforestation Projects

By hiring people from the local communities to plant trees, Eden provides them with a consistent income allowing them to provide for their families. As the reforestation efforts progress, healthy forests begin to emerge, and the harmful effects of deforestation begin to disappear. The results are captured in the video below.

Since Eden was established, their work has resulted in the planting of over 700 million trees across Ethiopia, Madagascar, Nepal, Haiti, Indonesia, Mozambique, Kenya, Nicaragua, and Honduras. What is more compelling is their studies show a survival rate of over 80% in terms of trees planted, even higher when natural generation is factored in, meaning that the effects of their efforts will endure and provide the environmental and social benefits for generations to come.

Eric Sturdza Investments became a Sapling Partner of Eden in 2020 and we are delighted to be able to continue our support of their reforestation efforts once again as part of our 2021 charitable giving program. One of the key benefits of reforestation is that trees are extremely efficient at carbon sequestration and one of the most effective tools in the fight against greenhouse gases. This year we have elected to focus our effort on the planting of 65,000 mangrove trees in Madagascar. Mangroves, in particular, absorb carbon at a rate two to four times greater than mature tropical forests and contain the highest carbon density of all terrestrial ecosystems*. They are a key part of coastal ecosystems, renowned for an array of ecosystem services, including fisheries and fibre production, sediment regulation, and tsunami protection.

Following a recent trip to Madagascar, Sehr Ali, International Coordinator wrote:

“What touched us most was knowing that the realities and challenges that these same villagers had endured not that long ago had not dampened their spirit or their vivaciousness for life. At each village site that we visited over two weeks, we were met with the same laughter, hospitality and energy. They were proud and excited to show us the forests they had planted, they talked to us about their lives before Eden and how their children are now in school getting educated. They guided us through deep, thick mud and dense forests to show us how, as Eden employees, they had drastically changed their environment over the last several years. But mostly, they showed us the pride they have for their country, their work and their home. They showed us the love they have for their forests and the commitment they share for a better life and a better future for their kids. By the time we left Madagascar, we knew that this far away country and its people were something truly special…”

As a result of our work with Eden and following this year’s donation, Eric Sturdza Investments will have supported the planting of 180,000 trees since 2020. Learn more about the Eden Reforestation Projects at edenprojects.org.

Eric Sturdza Investments to plant 65,000 mangrove trees in Madagascar

In the video below, Dr. Stephen Fitch, Founder & CEO of Eden Reforestation Projects shows how Eden start with planting a seed and how they grow a tree that joins together with many other trees that turns into a healthy forest. A fascinating watch and highly recommended.