How tree planting is rewilding degraded landscapes, bringing back wildlife, and restoring ecosystems to their natural state.

The concept of rewilding landscapes has gained significant traction in recent years as a means to address the pressing issue of biodiversity loss. 

Rewilding is the process of restoring degraded ecosystems to their natural state, allowing for the return of wildlife and the reestablishment of ecological processes. It's essentially a way of "rewinding the clock" on damaged environments. Imagine a forest that has been cleared and neglected for years. Rewilding would look like planting native vegetation and shrubs and letting nature take its course. Over time, the forest space would return to something like its original vibrant state, attracting pollinators and other beneficial creatures.

One of the most effective ways to achieve rewilding is through tree planting.

Trees play a crucial role in creating healthy ecosystems. They provide habitat for a wide range of wildlife, from insects and birds to mammals and reptiles. Forests also help to regulate climate, purify air and water, and prevent soil erosion. By planting trees, we can restore degraded landscapes and create thriving ecosystems that support a diverse array of species.

The Benefits of Tree Planting for Wildlife

Tree planting has numerous benefits for wildlife. It provides food, shelter, and breeding grounds for a variety of species. For example, trees produce fruits, nuts, and seeds that are consumed by many animals. They also offer shelter from predators and harsh weather conditions. Additionally, forests create complex habitats that support a diverse range of wildlife.

Plant With Purpose: A Case Study in Rewilding Through Tree Planting

Plant With Purpose is dedicated to rewilding landscapes and empowering communities around the world. Through their tree planting programs, they are helping to restore degraded ecosystems and bring back wildlife.

One of Plant With Purpose's most successful rewilding projects is their work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In this region, deforestation has led to severe habitat loss and biodiversity decline. This has been of particular concern around the Congo Basin Rainforest, which is the second largest forest in the world and plays an important role in maintaining a healthy climate. It is also the home to many endangered species, including the mountain gorilla.

Since its inception in 2015, Plant With Purpose’s DRC program has planted nearly 80 million trees. Plant With Purpose has been working with local communities to plant trees and restore degraded forests. 

Through this partnership, communities have been able to reforest thousands of acres of land. This has resulted in the return of a variety of wildlife in targeted areas. Additionally, tree planting has helped to improve soil quality, reduce erosion, and improve local livelihoods.

Bahati is a father to six children in the DRC. He is a community leader, working to help his community and restore his watershed’s ecosystem.

“I have participated in training on environmental restoration, forest management, and community forest maintenance. On my farm, I applied soil conservation measures by growing ground cover crops. I grow sweet potato as a soil conservation crop against erosion, but my main crop is citrus. I harvest the food products every season which ensures my family’s food security.

“The natural methods I apply on the farm reduce our household expenses. We generate income by selling citrus seedlings for other farmers. This gives me more ways to save with my Purpose Group, and ultimately, my family is happy.”

A large part of Plant With Purpose’s work with communities links activities like tree planting to personal and financial development. As farming families improve their income and food security through reforestation and other supporting activities, they become active promoters of rewilding.

The Importance of Planting Native Trees

When rewilding landscapes through tree planting, it is essential to plant native trees. Native trees are adapted to local conditions and are more likely to thrive and support local wildlife. They also play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of a region.

Our local Plant With Purpose partners carefully select tree species for their reforestation projects, and through our environmental curriculum, learn about the valuable role of native trees. This ensures that the trees they plant are well suited to the local environment and can support the return of native wildlife. 71% of participants plant native trees (compared to 22% of nonparticipants).

“Plant With Purpose offered us belonging, workshops, and training,” reports Deogratias from Burundi, who was trained in Plant With Purpose’s Seeds of Change environmental curriculum. “I have learned about different categories of trees, their environmental and economic benefits, as well as the appropriate places to plant each category of trees. In addition, I now also understand the importance of diversification when we plant.

“Thanks to all this knowledge, I planted forest trees in uncultivated areas, agroforestry trees around my farms, and fruit trees such as avocado, orange, lemon, and others. In addition to the trees planted, I understood the importance of native trees on a farm and therefore native trees on my farms are protected. One such variety is the Parinari tree, which grows naturally in large quantities on my farms alongside other species.”

Challenges and Considerations

While tree planting is a powerful tool for rewilding, it is not without its challenges. One of the main challenges is the need for long-term commitment. Restoring degraded ecosystems takes time and requires ongoing management. Additionally, there may be logistical and financial constraints to consider.

Plant With Purpose addresses these challenges by working closely with local communities. Local leaders provide training and support to ensure that the tree planting projects are sustainable and successful. They also work to raise funds to support their efforts.

The Future of Rewilding Through Tree Planting

Rewilding through tree planting is a promising approach to addressing biodiversity loss and climate change. As we continue to face the challenges of environmental degradation, it is essential that we prioritize rewilding efforts and invest in tree planting initiatives.

Plant With Purpose’s program is an example of the positive impact that tree planting can have on wildlife and ecosystems. Their work demonstrates the power of rewilding to restore degraded landscapes and create a more sustainable future for all.

“We are so grateful for Plant With Purpose,” reflects Edison, a teacher in the DRC, whose students participate in Plant With Purpose workshops. “In addition to the harmony in relationships, the students are experiencing a sense of satisfaction from a job well done, and a greater appreciation of nature. This leads to them taking on efforts like planting more trees every year within the school grounds. On behalf of the school, we are so grateful to the supporters of Plant With Purpose, and we look forward to learning even more themes in our local schools.”