An introduction from the International Tree Foundation

One hundred years ago, at a time when very few recognised the importance of trees, an environmentalist had a vision to empower communities to plant trees that protect the planet and transform their landscapes and lives.

Richard St Barbe Baker spent his life advocating for trees, arguing that with too few of them the delicate balance of the planet would be destabilised. He practiced permaculture and agroecology before they were officially invented and warned of the global impact of deforestation before the science caught up. He was also ahead of his time in stressing that reforestation effort should be through local communities, in conjunction with governments and on a global scale.

In July 1922, Richard St Barbe Baker, along with Chief Josiah Njonjo, brought their vision to life in Kenya. That moment, in the shadow of Mount Kenya, saw the birth of the International Tree Foundation and its mission to plant, protect and promote trees.

Today, 100 years later, that pioneering vision of community-led forest restoration is more relevant than ever. We now know that the earth’s forests and soil absorb about 30 per cent of atmospheric carbon dioxide emissions and we understand the critical role of trees and forests in maintaining climatic equilibrium. The approaches that ITF has pioneered are now part of the mainstream. For example, the latest State of the World’s Forests report by the Food and Agriculture Organisation emphasises so many areas that we have championed for decades - from the importance of agroforestry to the livelihood benefits of forest restoration.

This year is International Tree Foundation’s centenary. And I am proud to play a small part in this charity’s remarkable history. In this edition of the Trees Journal we celebrate the beauty and wonder of trees. We look back to the past and also hear from the foresters of today about current landscapes and present efforts to restore forests.

But a centenary is also a time for us to look to the future, realistic about the scale of the challenge we face but resolute in bringing about lasting change for people and planet and we’re asking you to be a part of that future. One hundred years on, St Barbe’s ideas and actions are as relevant and vital as they ever were. But, as a planet, we are a long way from seeing St Barbe’s vision recognised.