reforestation and revitalization
According to the UN Environment Programme, the deforestation rate in Tanzania is about 400,000 hectares per year as of 2024, making it among the highest in East Africa. Water levels have also been decreasing in The Olive Branch for Children (TOBFC) catchment area. Expanding rice farms, growing populations, lack of disposable income and/or access to cleaner fuels mean communities continue to engage in widespread tree cutting. These practices contribute to drought, soil erosion and put pressure on forests.
TOBFC is working with communities to raise awareness about the impacts of these practices on the environment, including through our Better Fuel Choices program. Many marginalized communities are eager to make beneficial changes but lack the resources. TOBFC has implemented practical and affordable Climate Care programs that empower people to change their daily living practices. This creates new practices that benefit the environment, people’s health, and their financial and food security. Planting trees is one approach to both raise awareness about our climate and cost-effectively enhance communities.
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The Reforestation and Revitalization program goal is to remediate the damage that has already been done to the environment while enhancing communities. TOBFC believes we need to find solutions that can increase the standard of living in rural villages while preserving and revitalizing the environment. Planting fruit trees helps to address deforestation and provides food, income, and shade in public spaces.
Some of our current projects include:
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Planting fruit trees and gardens at The Olive Branch Montessori Academy
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Starting a fruit orchard on TOBFC land
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Planting water-retaining trees around the wells we have built
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Planting fruit trees in public spaces in our catchment area and at our Montessori Kindergartens classrooms
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Starting community seed banks
Our 2024 Canadian annual fundraising gala, Miti Ina Mizizi – Trees Have Roots, contributed to this program. As part of the event, TOBFC pledged to plant one tree in Tanzania for every ticket sold, demonstrating our commitment to strong roots and the environment. We were so pleased to welcome 302 guests and equally pleased that the Tanzanian Regional Government was so impressed that they pledged to match the number of trees planted. Trees funded by the Tanzanian Regional Government will be planted with a focus on restoring riverbanks affected by flooding and mudslides. Through this government partnership our impact from the gala was doubled to 604 trees! This will aid reforestation efforts in Tanzania and provide shade and food for communities.