Brazil, Mococa. We contributed to part of the replanting of 22 hectares at 'Fazenda Ambiental Fortaleza' (from a total of 284 hectares). Our main partner there is providing for the planting and care of more than one million (1,000,000) trees over a ten year period in the Minas Gerais and São Paulo regions of Brazil. We work with landowners to reforest land with native tree saplings of the original “Mata Altântica” (Atlantic Rainforest). This generates a positive social impact in local communities (including jobs, education, and promoting local handicrafts).
Ethiopia, Sidama highlands. Ethiopian desert is estimated to cover 71.5% of the country’s total land area according to UNEP definition. This is caused by overgrazing, deforestation and poor farming practices. We funded the planting of 10,000 trees on the eroded and hilly slopes of Sidama highlands in partnership with the locally well established Eden Reforestation NGO. Planting will start with the onset of the short rainy season that typically begins in late March to early April. The provision of funds also makes it possible to hire one full time national eco-worker. In this way we empower local workers to restore their own environment. The opportunities there are huge, WeForest is considering investing in a nursery and bring it to producing 2 million trees a year .
Colombia,Vichada. That area is variously known as the llanos orientales or eastern plains of Colombia is also referred to as the Orinoquía in Colombia. The tree farm is located along the southern banks of the Rio el Bita, and is approximately 2,891 hectares in size. The geographic coordinates are centered around 06° 05' 51" north and 67° 43' 48" west. Our local partner works with other members of the Orinoquía Verde representing some additional 200,000 hectares of available land for tropical tree planting.
Kenya, Kilifi. This 5,000 acre (2080 hectares) farm on the coast of Kenya has been a sisal plantation, dairy and most recently, a real estate opportunity. The farm is managed by Chris Wilson, an advocate for change in Kenya and a charitable supporter of a number of initiatives around education and medicine within the Kilifi area. Our objective is to take a master plan approach in developing a community that is recognized globally for its natural beauty and as a model for sustainable 'African' economic development.
Zambia, Chipata aims at converting a large farm (32 hectares) to permaculture food forestry and producing radio programs advising all rural Zambia on how to replicate what we do. Part of the land will also be allocated to an experimental demonstration of permaculture farming.
St Kitts & Nevis: The twin island federation of St. Kitts & Nevis, located in the heart of the Caribbean was forced to abandon the cultivation of sugar cane in 2006 after over 300 years of continuous cultivation, due to a WTO ruling. This has lead to the abandonment of over 10,000 acres of sugarcane lands, most of which is now neglected. Within the first semester of 2010, WeForest will design and plant a permaculture plot, which will serve as a pilot project for the rest of the abandoned lands. WeForest will also develop a permaculture institute in St. Kitts, which will be used to train both local and international students.
Thailand, Isaan. It is a region in the northeast of Thailand, comprising several provinces: one of the most disadvantaged and under-developed parts of the country. Isaan "New Life"project was started in 2007 with the ambitious aim of transforming the rural community of Sakon Nakhon (one of nineteen provinces in the region covering an area of 9,605.8 km² and with a population of around one million people) as a learning model (or showcase) for others to emulate. Weforest will contribute with the permaculture expertise of the reforestation in this area.