Combating climate change – agro-forestry in the Amazon

A new Ecotribal initiative

Since September 2007, Ecotribal have been collaborating with Treeflights to offer individuals and businesses the chance to select rainforest trees for planting in the Peruvian Amazon to absorb some of their CO2 emissions. The trees are planted by the Ashaninka tribe to offset UK carbon emissions (e.g. from flying, road travel and even energy intensive processes and events like weddings and conferences) as part of a community-led agro-forestry initiative.

Research suggests that planting in the Tropics has a greater cooling influence on the climate than planting in temperate zones. Planting indigenous jungle trees, like mahogany, as well as fruit bearing and other useful tree species in small forest gardens, provides an alternative income at a time when Amazon forest is under threat from illegal logging and illicit coca production. This carbon offsetting initiative has become even more meaningful since 2007 when exploration and seismic testing for gas and oil deposits began in Ashaninka territory.

Flying to exotic destinations like Peru generates tonnes of carbon emissions per passenger. This new collaborative initiative helps mitigate contributions to global warming by working with the Ashaninka to help them conserve their corner of the Peruvian Amazon and their own sustainable lifestyle. Amazonian agro-forestry represents an additional line of sustainable development and can help provide the Ashaninka with resources for generations to come.

Tourists wishing to take more responsibility for their emissions can choose from 10 rainforest species which will gradually absorb their CO2 emissions whilst protecting the tremendous bio-diversity of the Amazon.

So next time you fly, why not help the Ashaninka with a baby Mahogany?

For further details see www.treeflights.com