Carbon Offsetting
APOPO initially began planting trees to offset its own carbon emissions. As we expanded our support for communities living in areas cleared of landmines, we realized our approach had greater potential: not only removing dangerous remnants from the soil but also preventing harmful chemicals from being introduced. This vision is rooted in regenerative farming methods, ensuring that once the land is cleared, nothing harmful goes back in.
Climate Change, Deforestation & Poverty
The UN warns that global temperatures could rise up to 2.9°C by the end of this century. This escalation threatens human activities and livelihoods by increasing the frequency of droughts, floods, and extreme weather. In many tropical regions, rural poverty and deforestation are deeply interconnected. Farmers often rely on cutting trees for firewood and clearing land for crops. However, without tree cover, soil fertility declines rapidly, forcing them to clear even more land. This cycle depletes natural resources, degrades ecosystems, and traps communities in poverty.Land Degradation
The consequences are not only local, as deforestation accelerates climate change, reduces biodiversity, and weakens the soil’s ability to retain water—heightening the risk of droughts and water shortages downstream. Instead of fostering resilience, unsustainable farming practices make farmers even more vulnerable to climate shocks. While agriculture is essential for livelihoods, it is also a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, it can also be part of the solution.
Why APOPO HeroTREEs?
HeroTREEs is not just about planting trees; it’s about transforming lives and landscapes. Through our innovative approach, we are:
- Restoring ecosystems using regenerative farming principles.
- Creating a data-driven framework for continual learning and improvement.
- Building resilient, self-sustaining agricultural systems.
- Empowering communities to break free from poverty and environmental degradation.
