India 2022 - Trees for Habitat Restoration and Farmer Livelihoods

PROJECT REPORT INDIA 2022TREES FOR HABITAT RESTORATION

AND FARMER LIVELIHOODS

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Dear friend,

Thanks to your support, a total of 60,000 trees and shrubs were planted to restore 151 hectares of land in India.

Planting trees in areas that have been degraded or deforested helps the environment by accelerating and assuring the re-establishment of healthy forests. Through reforestation, the canopy is restored, ecosystems are made whole, and biodiversity can thrive.

None of this would be possible without you. On behalf of everyone at One Tree Planted, thank you!

What follows is a report outlining the project you supported in India. I hope you enjoy reading it and truly feel the impact you have made.

OVERVIEW

The objective of the India 2022 - Trees for Habitat Restoration and Farmer Livelihoods project was to establish sustainable agroforestry plantations, in partnership with indigenous farmers, across 150 hectares of land in Tamil Nadu, India. By reforesting these areas, this project strove not only to sustain and improve the livelihoods and nutritional security of farmers, but also to stabilize the region’s microclimate and augment ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration,andbiodiversityhabitat.

TREES & SHRUBS PLANTED JOBS SUPPORTED

WOMEN INVOLVED

SPECIES

VOLUNTEERS INVOLVED

TREE SPECIES PLANTED

In collaboration with indigenous farmers, this project spanned 200 hectares of farmland that is under indigenous farmer ownership. The agroforestry system was carefully designed to integrate fruit, fodder, and timber species, providing a sustainable and diverse ecosystem on the farmland. Each farmer will accommodate approximately 300 tree species per hectare of land. With the exception of Mango and Guava, which were sourced externally, all seedlings were raisedinanearbynursery.

The species that were selected aim to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the yearbyincorporatingplantsthatbearfruitindifferentseasons.Additionally,timber species were chosen for their economic value to the farmers, with consideration given to carbon sequestration benefits. Further, timber species will only be harvested after a period of 20 years, emphasizing the project's long-term sustainabilityandcommitmenttoenvironmentalstewardship.

Byintegratingfruit,plant,fodder,andtimberspecies,theprojectnotonlyenhances agricultural productivity but also improves the biodiversity and microclimate of the region. This approach benefits the farmers and their families by providing a diverse range of produce, while also contributing to the overall ecological health andresilienceofthearea.

TREES PLANTED:

Teak (Tectona grandis)

Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla)

Milo Tree (Thespesia populnea)

Jack Tree (Artocarpus heterophyllus)

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica)

Acid Lime (Citrus aurantifolia)

Neem (Azadirachta indica)

Pungam (Pongamia pinnata)

Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis)

Guava (Psidium guajava)

Indian Plum (Syzygium cumini)

Silk Cotton (Ceiba pentandra)

Manila Tamarind (Inga dulcis)

Drumstick (Moringa oleifera)

Pomegranate (Punica granatum)

TREE SPECIES IDENTIFICATION & USE

The Acid Lime tree, also known as Citrusaurantiifolia, is native to tropical Southeast Asia and is easily identified by its small, round fruits, glossy green leaves, and fragrant white flowers. These trees typically grow up to 6 meters in height and feature thorny branches that provide additional protection for the fruits.

In the ecosystem, acid lime trees serve as valuable food sources for wildlife, attracting birds and insects that feed on their nectar, pollen, and fruits. Additionally, the dense foliage of acid lime trees provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and small mammals, contributing to biodiversity in the area.

These trees help improve soil stability and fertility, reduce erosion, and improve water retention in the soil, thus promoting overall soil health. Additionally, the fruits of acid lime trees provide a source of income and nutrition for local communities, supporting livelihoods and fostering economic resilience in rural areas. The use of acid lime trees in this project not only enhances ecosystem health, but promotes sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation in the region.

Guava trees, scientifically known as Psidium guajava, are small evergreen trees/shrubs that can be easily recognized by their distinctly colored flat green leaves and oval or pear-shaped fruit. Although native to the tropical regions of Central America, guava are now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world - including India - for their delicious fruits and economic value.

These trees typically reach heights of 2 to 6 meters and feature smooth, coppercolored bark that peels away in thin layers. Guava trees produce fragrant white flowers, followed by green fruits that ripen to yellow, green, or pink hues, depending on the variety. The fruits are highly valued for their sweet, tangy flavor and are consumed by a wide range of wildlife, including birds, bats, insects, and mammals. Additionally, guava trees provide shelter and nesting sites for birds and small animals, contributing to the biodiversity of the ecosystem.

Guava trees offer many ecosystem services that benefit the environment. Their dense foliage helps reduce soil erosion by shielding the ground from heavy rainfall and wind. The roots of guava trees help stabilize the soil, preventing landslides, and protecting waterways from sedimentation. Furthermore, guava trees contribute to carbon sequestration by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in their biomass, helping to mitigate climate change. The inclusion of guava trees in this project enhances ecosystem resilience, supports wildlife populations, and provides valuable ecological services for the surrounding environment.

THANK YOU TO THE FUNDERS WHO HELPED IN THE LIVELIHOOD ENHANCEMENT OF 218 FARMING FAMILIES WITH SUSTAINABLE INCOME, AND ALSO HELPED US TO GROW TREES IN 151 HA OF LAND THAT SUSTAINS THE ECOSYSTEM.

YOUR IMPACT ON THE MAP

The India 2022 - Trees for Habitat Restoration and Farmer Livelihoods project supported the planting of 60,000 trees and shrubs across 373 acres in Tamil Nadu,India,leavingatangiblemarkonthelandscape.Withtheplantingof60,000 trees and shrubs across 373 acres, this initiative has not only revitalized habitats but empowered local farmers. Each dot on the map represents a maturing forest ecosystem, a testament to the project's commitment to environmental restoration and sustainable livelihoods. Through tree planting, this project has significantly contributed to the conservation of biodiversity, the enhancement of naturalhabitats,andtheeconomicwell-beingofcommunitiesinTamilNadu.

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE IMPACT

The project implemented a sustainable agroforestry model across 151 hectares of farmers-owned land, fostering a resilient ecosystem that enhances both livelihoods and environmental health. By establishing permanent vegetative cover throughout the year, this model improves the microclimate of the area, bolsters soil health, and contributes to carbon sequestration. With its success, the potential for expansion into an additional 1000 hectares of land in the drought-prone region becomes feasible,promisingfurtherecologicalandeconomicbenefitsforthecommunity.

The project directly benefited over 200 female indigenous farmers, offering sustainable returns of 300-500 rupees per hectare from the fifth year onwards. This notonlyprovidesasteadyincomesourcebutalsoextendstheagricultureseasonto more than six months a year, significantly enhancing livelihoods and economic stability. Moreover, the habitat improvement and increased vegetation enable farmers to practice agriculture more effectively, fostering a cycle of prosperity and environmentalstewardship.

Beyond economic gains, the improved livelihoods contribute to long-term social change within the community. Reduced poverty levels mitigate social issues such as child marriage and school dropouts, fostering a healthier and more empowered population. In fact, school drop-outs by members of farming families are expected to be reduced by 30% as a result of this planting. Likewise, with enhanced access to nutrition security and decent medical attention, the community is better equipped to address health challenges, reducing child and maternity mortality rates. As a whole, the sustainable habitat created by the agroforestry model promotes healthy living and environmental conservation, ensuring the success of these natural resources foryearstocome.

Thanks to donors like you, One Tree Planted has helped our partners achieve monumental changes in improving livelihoods and restoring ecosystems in India. Through the establishment of sustainable agroforestry models, we've empowered indigenous farmers, enhanced microclimates, and revitalized soil health. These initiatives not only transform landscapes, but lay the foundation for a more sustainableandprosperousfutureforall.

DOCUMENTING YOUR IMPACT

Throughauthenticandinformativestorytelling,wehelpdonorsrelatetothepeople who plant their trees and to the impact they're making for the planet. We share photos, videos, and updates from our global projects across our social media, website, and other media to create a personal connection to the incredible work happeningontheground.

PHOTOS FROM YOUR PROJECT

ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS

Agroforestry plantations offer a multitude of ecological benefits that contribute to sustainablelandmanagementandconservationefforts:

Reduced Pressure on Forests: By providing alternative sources of fruits, small poles,andfodder,agroforestryreducestheneedforcommunitiestorelysolely on natural forests for these resources, thereby alleviating pressure on forest ecosystemsandpromotingtheirconservation.

Enhanced Microclimate Conditions: The integration of trees into agricultural landscapes improves microclimate conditions by reducing temperatures and increasing soil moisture availability. This creates a more favorable environmentforcropgrowthandhelpsmitigatetheimpactsofclimatechange onagriculturalproductivity.

Enhanced Biodiversity: Agroforestry systems promote biodiversity at the farm level by incorporating a diverse range of crops and micro-flora and fauna into the landscape. This diversity provides habitat and food sources for various species,contributingtotheoverallhealthandresilienceoftheecosystem.

Soil Health Improvement: Agroforestry practices help to reduce erosion, maintain optimal soil temperatures, and enhance nutrient cycling, leading to improvements in the physical, chemical, and biological traits of the soil. Healthy soils support robust plant growth, increase water retention, and contributetooverallecosystemstability.

Land Capability Improvement: Through the strategic integration of trees with crops and livestock, agroforestry improves the capability of the land to sustain agricultural production over the long term. This enhances the resilience of farming systems to environmental stresses and ensures the long-term productivityandviabilityofthelandforfuturegenerations.

BIODIVERSITY BENEFITS

This reforestation project brings forth substantial biodiversity benefits, enriching the local flora and fauna tenfold. By enhancing the microclimate of the area, this work creates favorable conditions for diverse plant and animal species to flourish, bolstering overall biodiversity. Moreover, improving the livelihood of local farmers reduces their reliance on surrounding forests, thereby diminishing pressure on naturalhabitatsandaidinginbiodiversityconservation.

Through the introduction of 15 species carefully selected for their capacity to enhance water retention, increase soil fertility, and support soil microorganisms, the project creates habitats for small animals and promotes the growth of indigenous flora, further enhancing biological diversity. As farmers begin to earn income from these plantings, the livelihoods of indigenous communities are uplifted, fostering stronger connections to the land. Ultimately, the microclimate enhancement resulting from this reforestation effort not only augments agricultural productivity, but also contributes to the conservation and proliferation ofbiodiversityintheregion.

In addition, the plantation region is known to harbor the endangered slender loris, which is native to India and Sri Lanka. These agroforestry farms are adjacent to the newly declared Kadavur Wildlife Sanctuary, which was created to protect this species. The agroforestry model of the farms will provide a buffer between highly populatedhumansettlementsandthiscriticalhabitat.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

The local community benefited from this reforestation planting both generally, through increased awareness of the importance of forests in their lives, as well as ecologically and economically. Through concerted efforts in education and engagement, community farmers experienced a heightened awareness of the vital role forests play in their lives, empowering them to actively participate in conservationeffortsandbecomestewardsoftheirlocalenvironment.

Notably, women emerged as key contributors to the project's success, engaging in several stages, from design to implementation. With 218 women from beneficiary farming families actively involved in activities such as nursery raising and tree planting, their participation marked a significant milestone in promoting gender inclusivityandempoweringwomenasagentsofchange.

Furthermore, comprehensive training sessions equipped community members with essential skills and knowledge of silviculture and tree management practices, ensuring the sustainable growth and maintenance of the planted trees. Through these initiatives, the project fostered community cohesion and capacity, ultimately enhancingoverallwell-beingandqualityoflifeforthelocalpopulations.

U.N. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

THIS PROJECT CONTRIBUTED TO THE FOLLOWING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS:

WHAT ARE SDGS?

Sustainable development entails seeking out solutions that not only boost the economic outcomes of developing and poorer nations, but also work to limit (or eliminate)ourimpactontheplanet.Treesareonesuchsolution.

From creating jobs and reducing hunger to improving gender equality, cleaning air and water, absorbing carbon, protecting life on land and water, and more, planting treescanaddressall17sustainabledevelopmentgoals.

“Planting trees through this project will protect, restore and conserve the adjacent forests that provide shelter to the endangered slender loris. As the trees grow, they will benefit the surrounding communities, improve water and soil conservation, enhance biodiversity, store carbon and improve the land’s capacity to adapt to climate change.”

Meghan Danny Global Projects Support Specialist

Samadrita Roy Project Manager India