Thef tree-planting program in the Rift Valley in Tanzania is a collaboration between the International Collaborative and the Planeterra Foundation. Read the partnership story in the right-hand column on this page.
Tree Program benefits
We choose native tree species, well-adapted to the local climate and conditions. Once established, these trees will not need special attention. In our most recent contact with the Planeterra Foundation, we’ve agreed to raise and distribute more than 100,000 trees.
The increase in employment opportunities, community cooperation, and the intrinsic benefits of the trees themselves make this a very special program.
How the Tree Program works
Collaborating with the Planeterra Foundation, the International Collaborative created the Tree Nursery on land available alongside the existing Manyara cattle feedlot. Employing Maasai men and women to gather seeds from native trees and propagate and nurture them in the Tree Nursery, the Project raises the seedlings until they are ready to transplant. The saplings are then distributed throughout the countryside for planting by the new owners.
Distribution
The Tree Nursery is located in the midst of hundreds of family settlements, our women’s groups, and near schools and enterprises, all of which are very happy to have more trees. In the many places our work has spread, we have the possibility of distributing tens of thousands of trees that we contract with the Planeterra Foundation to plant.
Following up and sustaining the trees
There are two ways we carry out our commitment to the recipients to help the trees thrive.
First, we are already working on multiple projects in the same locations. We are able to choose travel routes that take us right by the areas with newly planted trees. This allows us to view the trees, observe their condition, and meet with the people to receive their feedback and answer questions.
Water for trees
Additionally, at times when there isn’t enough rain to bring the trees to a self-sustaining stage, we do what is necessary to guarantee water. For example, we provide tanks to a settlement or a school, filling them with our tractor and tank trailer to provide water for the people’s young saplings.
Mutual sustainability goals
The Planeterra Foundation is very thorough in its planning and requirements and dependability of vendors like us is essential for success.
Working on the project practically, and engaging people in all the needed steps naturally guarantees we also work towards and support the stated goals of the Planeterra Foundation, which are:
- Sustainably contribute productively and positively to community wellbeing (mind, body and spirit),
- To create alternative livelihood opportunities for community members, with a focus on indigenous, female and youth members.
- To restore and regenerate local biodiversity to contribute to the mitigation of the global biodiversity crisis.
- To sequester carbon to contribute to mitigating the global climate
Tree Program step-by-step
- Collaborate to set up a planning schedule for tens of thousands of trees
- Hire nursery staff, responsible for propagating, nurturing, and preparing seedlings for distribution
- Monitor the survival of the trees distributed and planted throughout the area
- Prepare comprehensive reports every three months, describing how we are meeting the goals stated above
Adaptive spirit
The ICSEE USA and the ICSEE Tanzania are well known in Tanzania because of our years of work, bringing benefits to the people. We demonstrate our adaptive spirit by staying open to new ideas and possible actions. We do not have the unique “right answer” about action choice. As long as the need is clear, the impact possible, and the cost within reach, we know new things can and should be done.
