News
Reforesting Our World With World Land Trust
The Importance of Addressing Deforestation and Supporting World Land Trust
Environmental issues are being discussed more than ever. And rightly so! We lose nearly 5 million hectares of forest land annually (SOURCE: Hannah Ritchie). Every industry plays its part in this, including marine, with many boats and yachts being made of wood. Traditionally, there has been limited efforts to replenish areas where wood is harvested from. However, World Land Trust (WLT) has been supporting the areas most heavily affected, for many years with no sign of stopping.
WLT is an environmental charity planting trees in tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests. They carefully select forests based on which areas require the most protection. In 2020, Flexiteek partnered with WLT through their ‘Plant a Tree’ programme. With an agreement to donate £5 for every 10m² of Flexiteek 2G synthetic teak sold globally. With Flexiteek’s support, over 30,000 trees have been planted by WLT.
The Plant A Tree Programme: Purposeful Tree Selection and Thoughtful Planting
So why trees? Trees have many ecological and environmental benefits that restore and benefit the world around us. Trees reduce air pollution by acting as natural air filters as they trap pollutants and carbon dioxide and release clean oxygen. This in turn provides habitats for the animals that need them to survive, both individually and as a species. WLT established the ‘Plant A Tree’ programme to contribute to global reforestation efforts. It is also to repair damaged ecosystems and re-establish those lost and balance climate change effects.
This doesn’t mean that WLT just throws random seeds at a random location and never look back. Instead, WLT partners collect native seeds for trees that will benefit the targeted area or are in danger of extinction themselves. This selection involves factors such as the balance of trees that are quick to establish and cope well in competition with invasive vegetation alongside slower-growing trees that offer higher biodiversity value. Another factor to consider is whether seeds grow into fruit-producing trees. These trees can provide food and nutrition for wildlife and encourage species back to previously barren areas.
Monitoring and Maintaining Tree Growth: Sustaining Biodiversity Conservation
Once collected, the seeds are planted in nurseries attended by local staff, until they are deemed ready. The seedlings are then transplanted into the wild. They are then monitored and given maintenance for the first 3-4 years and if a tree dies within that period, it is replaced. The growing trees are then maintained and monitored for at least 10 years until they surpass the threshold of maturity. As natural mortality is less likely to occur.
This approach is taken to each and every tree, in each and every protected area. It all contributes to increased biodiversity which is essential for a healthy natural world.
Donate to WLT or explore forming a corporate partnership to make a meaningful impact and contribute to positive changes for the environment.
Photo Credits: World Land Trust
For more information about Flexiteek’s Environmental Commitment.
For more information about World Land Trust.
About FLEXITEEK International
Flexiteek is the original market-leading manufacturer of synthetic teak decking. Founded in 2000, many of the original decks laid are still going strong and looking great to this day. There is a worldwide reach relying on a cultivated global distributor network and over 200 of the world’s leading boat builders. For more information visit https://www.flexiteek.com/
Contact Information
Press enquiries, contact Steve Moore at [email protected] or call on +44 (0)1621 869609
Advertising enquiries, contact Emily Norman at [email protected] or call on +44 (0)1621 869609
Media enquiries, contact Phoebe Maxted at [email protected] or call on +44 (0)1621 869609