Ground Truth Weekly Forest News November 28 π°
New updates: Kenyan agroforestry, open source forest data advances sustainability and compliance, Scotland leads UK reforestation. And more!
Kenya Agroforestry Transparency and Resilience π³π°πͺ
The Western Block Carbon Project is tackling climate challenges near Lake Victoria with bold plans of helping 40,000 Kenyan farmers regenerate degraded lands with agroforestry. By combining tree planting, carbon credits, and providing transparencyβlike shareable project mapsβitβs empowering farmers and inspiring trust in carbon offset efforts. π±π
What do you think about using agroforestry to combat climate change?
ππRead more of our coverage on Ground Truth
Revitalizing Forests and Livelihoods in Tripura and Nagaland π³πΌ
The World Bank's $225.5 million ELEMENT Project will restore over 100,000 hectares of forests in Indiaβs Tripura and Nagaland states, creating 60,000 jobs and enhancing rural livelihoods. By promoting non-timber products, ecotourism, and private sector partnerships, the project aims to boost biodiversity, improve climate resilience, and empower forest-dependent communities. π±π
How can projects like these balance economic growth with conservation in forest-rich areas?
ππ Read more from the World Bank
Open-Source Planted Forest Dataset Revolutionizes Timber Tracking ππ
The new Global Planted Forest Dataset maps 447 tree species across 91 countries, offering precise insights into planted forests. This open-source resource bolsters timber trade compliance, biodiversity conservation, and climate action by filling gaps left by broader tools like Global Forest Watch. π±β¨
How do you think open-source data like this can shape forest conservation and sustainable trade practices?
ππRead more of our coverage on Ground Truth
National Restoration Pledges Face Social-Ecological Gaps ππ±
Countries worldwide have pledged to restore millions of hectares of ecosystems, but a new study highlights mismatches between these ambitions and on-the-ground realities. Many nations with the largest restoration commitments also face weak socio-economic and governance conditions, raising concerns about feasibility and fairness in global restoration efforts. π³β¨
Do you think restoration goals should prioritize enabling conditions over sheer ambition?
ππRead more in Nature
Protecting the Amazon: Enshrine Rights of Nature into Law π³β¨
The Amazon rainforest is a vital carbon sink and home to diverse ecosystems and indigenous communities. Advocates urge Brazilian President Lula to adopt the Rights of Nature framework, granting the Amazon legal protections to curb deforestation and prioritize preservation for its inherent value. πβ€οΈ
What are your thoughts on granting ecosystems legal rights to protect biodiversity and combat climate change?
ππRead more on One Green Planet
Should Forests Be Fuel? π²π₯
Burning wood for energy, like at the UK's Drax power station, is touted as "carbon neutral," but critics point to its immediate CO2 emissions, deforestation, and environmental justice impacts. While governments subsidize these projects, activists highlight the hidden costs of pollution, deforestation, and flawed carbon accounting. πβ
Do you think burning trees for energy is a sustainable solution, or does it do more harm than good?
ππ Read more in New Internationalist
Scotland's Forest Battle: Reforestation and Challenges π΄π²
Scotland leads the UK in reforestation with 15,040 hectares planted in 2023/24, achieving its highest forest coverage since the 1600s. Despite this success, funding cuts and rising land prices challenge the balance between climate goals and fair land use. π³π΄
What do you think about Scotlandβs efforts to tackle climate change through reforestation amidst these hurdles?
ππRead more of our coverage on Ground Truth
Protecting Kelp Forests: A Call for Urgent Action ππΏ
Over 230 scientists from 18 countries are urging stronger protections for Latin Americaβs kelp forests, vital ecosystems for marine biodiversity, fisheries, and climate resilience. These "underwater forests" act as carbon sinks, oxygen producers, and shelters for marine life, but they face threats like overharvesting, warming seas, and weak management. πβ¨
What do you think is the best approach to balance local livelihoods with protecting these critical marine ecosystems?
ππ Read more in Patagon Journal
UK Boosts Forest Funding to Tackle Climate Change π³π·
The UK has pledged Β£239 million to help forest-rich nations like Colombia and Indonesia combat deforestation. This funding aims to support carbon markets, forest restoration, and sustainable livelihoods while aligning with global climate goals to halt forest loss by 2030. πβ¨
What role do you think international funding should play in protecting forests and empowering local communities?
ππ Learn more on the UK government website
Edited by Chris Harris
This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
