Finally, some good news in these otherwise more than upsetting times: since we started our reforestation project in Ethiopia at the end of 20019, we have already been able to plant over 200,000 trees – that’s more than 160 football pitches full of trees!

Those trees will absorb over half a million kilograms of CO₂ from the atmosphere within only five years.

And here’s what’s happening in Shebedino now

Work has begun in the tree nurseries: soil and compost are being mixed and plant pots filled, the beds are being prepared, seeds planted in the pots and then tended to daily.

Dried grass is enough for shade until the seeds sprout – later, simple tables will be built to this end.

The future afforestation areas have already been determined and will be protected from grazing cattle. The farmers in the reforestation area can now start collecting seeds from old trees and sell them to the tree nursery.

Coffee plants and other fruit trees are currently in full bloom, typically growing in the shade of forest trees to keep the sun from drying them out.

These are the next steps

In the tree nurseries, the seedlings will be nurtured and cared for, and the faster-growing tree species will also get planted soon after.

From April, the preparatory work will start in the afforestation areas, i.e. planting holes will be dug, terraces built and small irrigation ditches laid.

We look forward to planting many, many more trees in 2022 and would like to thank you for your support thus far 💚