This July, Greenpop will work to reverse the effects of deforestation in Zambia by planting 5,000 to 10,000 trees in three weeks by voluntourists from around the world, local children and subsistence farmers. The event called Trees for Zambia gives back to those giving their time by offering workshops, speakers on climate change, deforestation and sustainability as well as creating a community of like-minded people. Volunteers are encouraged to visit nearby Victoria Falls where 1,000 trees will be planted at the Victoria Falls Peace Park.
Last year’s Platbo Reforest Fest brought together 100 people to plant 1,000 trees in a single day. The job, while seemingly insurmountable, was quickly accomplished through an organized effort.
Zambia has the second highest deforestation rate in the world. Deforestation leads to erosion, mudslides, negative effects on waterways and more. Local communities will be involved and you can be, too.
Objectives are:
• Educate local children on environmental issues
• Promote conservation farming methods
• Initiate a culture of tree planting
• Develop a micro-nursery enterprise to financially support farmers
Greenpop also works with schools to plant trees in communities. A positive and healthy eco-system that provides fruit and sustenance through trees gives back to communities in a number of ways. According to Greenpop, involving learners:
• Teaches valuable environmental lessons
• Reconnects learners with nature
• Beautifies schools and communities instilling pride of place
• Creates shady spaces for children to play
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Fruit groves at schools:
• Provide fruit and nutrition for school children
• Aid concentration, uplift learning experiences and improve school
attendance
• Provide children with the valuable experience of planting, growing and
caring for something as well as seeing the positive results that come from this
• Provide practical environmental education on the benefits of trees, growing
produce and caring for our environment
Maintaining the trees becomes part of the school program where students are assigned trees to care for by bringing in used bath or dishwater in order to sustain the trees.
For those who are unable to join in the planting you are welcome to gift trees. You will receive a GPS coordinate of where your trees are planted. You can also pledge trees on a monthly basis. Companies are encouraged to book a tree building plant day to get hands dirty and make a difference.
Visit Greenpop for more information: http://www.greenpop.org/
Give trees: http://www.greenpop.org/give-trees/give-africa-trees/
For sponsorship opportunities email: zambia@greenpop.org
Like them on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Greenpop-Zambia/310725628958396
