Deforestation rates from 1990-2000 were around 8.3 million hectares (20,509,746 acres) each year.

Lack of employment opportunities to inefficient heating and cooking technologies were just some of the causes that lead to the high rates of forest area loss. The high number is a staggering statistic that may cause you to think twice the next time you use a piece of paper or pick up a toothpick. However, from 2000-2010, this number was reduced to 5.2 million hectares per year. That means…

DEFORESTATION HAS BEEN REDUCED!

Yes, you heard it correctly! Forests are the lungs of the world, breathing in carbon dioxide and exhaling fresh oxygen. We are reversing the negative effects that have once plagued our planet and our future existence. This is largely due in part to the efforts of The Eden Projects, an organization I stumbled upon with the help of a loyal supporter who told me about their substantial impact.

In 2005, fellow nature enthusiast Steve Fitch launched this tree planting effort employing thousands in Ethiopia, Madagascar, and Haiti. He also understood that by restoring degraded forest area you additionally reinstate the optimism and self-esteem of the villagers, helping spur other community development projects.

From 2007 to 2012, 41 million mangrove trees were planted in Madagascar through The Eden Projects alone, with 15 million of those trees being planted in 2012.

The Eden Projects has understood how a tree can do more than sequester carbon, but more importantly, save a life. This is why Hearts has partnered with The Eden Projects on the mission to not just sustain life, but to help it grow and improve the lives of individuals, while also protecting the environment.

In a study conducted by Earthwatch, a leading international environmental organization (http://www.earthwatch.org/europe/exped/huxham_results.html) estimated that 2,000 mangrove trees can absorb over 180 tons of carbon over 25 years of forest growth.

That means The Eden Projects’ 41 million mangrove trees planted will absorb around 3,690,000 tons of carbon over the next 25 years. That is equivalent to taking 922,500 cars off the streets this year.

For 2013, Hearts stands along side The Eden Projects’ goal to plant 36 million trees this year.

Let’s keep up the momentum from the last 7 years and continue decreasing the deforestation rates.

A couple thousand trees may save a life, but a couple million more can save the planet. Together, lets plant 36 million trees in 2013!

Yours truly,

Keith Mulvin
Director of Sustainability & Partnership Programs
Hearts