Taking it one tree at a time: bringing finance for nature to local communities

October 12, 2022

Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and help combat deforestation, offsetting some of the emissions that contribute to global warming. Trees also help to stabilize the soil, prevent flooding and erosion, and provide habitats for many species of animals, including shade and shelter. Trees can even increase residential and commercial property values!

Unfortunately, tree planting and reforestation projects can be expensive, and often require specialized knowledge and equipment. Financing reforestation projects can also be a challenge, making it difficult for communities to get started on their own tree-planting initiatives. In addition, commercial banks and investment funds are often reluctant to invest in projects that may take years to generate returns, which may not be of a financial nature.

While there are a number of global initiatives working to finance large-scale reforestation projects, accessing these funds can be difficult for smaller, community-level projects. Fortunately, thanks to the rise of crowdfunding platforms, it is becoming easier for individuals and communities to finance reforestation projects. Here's a look at how crowdfunding platforms are being used to finance reforestation.

Successful crowdfunding for reforestation begins with a clear and concise pitch that outlines the project, its goals, and how the funds will be used. This is typically done through a written description, video, or both. The pitch should also include a timeline for the project and information about the team and planting strategy.

It is also critical to find a crowdfunding platform that is adapted to the project's goals. There are a number of platforms that specialize in environmental and climate-related projects, so it is important to do research to find one that best suits the project's needs, including projects that are similar in scope and budget.

Several platforms are currently focusing on tree planting and reforestation, including TreeSisters. TreeSisters is a global network of women working together to fund the restoration of tropical forests. They run a monthly crowdfunding campaign that funds the planting of trees in tropical countries around the world. Since its launch in 2012, TreeSisters has planted over 1.2 million trees in countries like Haiti, Nepal, and Madagascar.

Reforestum is another platform that finances reforestation projects around the world. Reforestum funds projects in developing countries that are working to combat deforestation and restore degraded forests. The platform also allows donors to choose which specific project they would like to support. Projects on Reforestum range from large-scale reforestation initiatives to small-scale tree-planting projects.

Another platform is Plant for the Planet, a global initiative that engages young people in reforestation projects around the world. The initiative was started by 13-year-old Felix Finkbeiner in 2007 and has since planted over 15 billion trees in countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nepal. VIVACE is proud to have just launched Sierra Leone's first reforestation crowdfunding for the PRIDO climate resilience project in coordination with Plant for the Planet.

Once a platform has been identified, the next step is to create a campaign. This includes information in the pitch, including how the funds will be used and fundraising goals. It is also important to include information on how the reforestation will work on an operational level. This includes information on the project's objectives, location and community involvement.

Technical questions will also need to be addressed, including information on specials, planting seasons, sourcing, planting density, harvesting and project certification. VIVACE can help address these aspects and develop planting plans and protocols in coordination with partners in agronomy and agroforestry.

It is also important to think about how to structure the financing to attract different types of donors. Many projects provide for two types of participation - one that is purely financial at a lower threshold and one that offers something in return to donors. This can include an artistic representation of the project, such as a painting, a book or a poem.

Return to donors can also include sharing elements of the community, such as through story-telling, music or spiritual elements. And it can even include experiences ranging from a walk in nature to a retreat or vacation that allows the donor to experience the positive impact of his or her contribution. Once the campaign is live, it can be promoted through social media, email, and personal connections to spread the word and get people interested in supporting the project.

With the right platform and campaign structure, financing reforestation projects is possible and can have a big impact on communities around the world. So get started today... and take it one tree at a time!

CPM