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Funding 42,000 Trees: Flexiteek and World Land Trust
Flexiteek International has funded the planting of 42,000 trees! This has been facilitated by the World Land Trust (WLT) and their ‘Plant a Tree’ programme.
We began our donations back in 2021, in celebration of Flexiteek’s 20th anniversary. Since then, we have donated £5 to WLT for every 10m² of Flexiteek synthetic decking sold worldwide. This initiative has now grown to become a staple of our efforts to reduce the impact of our production facilities and the harm caused to hardwood forests due to the marine industry’s demand for real teak.
Who are World Land Trust?
WLT is an environmental charity that plants trees in tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests. They carefully choose the forests where protection is most needed.
Founded in 1989, WLT has since safeguarded over 2.8 million acres of land and have planted more than 2.7 million trees, aiding the protection of nearly 13,000 animal species, many of which are endangered.
Given their significant impact, it is no surprise that their patrons include renowned figures such as Sir David Attenborough, Steve Backshall, David Gower, and Chris Packham.
Discover more about World Land Trust.
What does Flexiteek’s donation contribute towards?
This contribution covers the cost of a sapling from initial purchase until the tree is stable at 2-3 years old.
Saplings are grown in a nursery where they are cared for and protected until they are strong enough to be planted on site. Once planted, the tree gets regular maintenance for 2-3 years. Once planted, the tree receives regular maintenance for 2-3 years. If a tree dies during this period, WLT partners replace it. The donation also provides funds for the partner and WLT programme costs to ensure ongoing support for these areas.
This allows for Flexiteek to stand confidently behind the 42,004 trees planted as they are meticulously chosen and cared for, providing a strong chance for long-term survival and consistency for the surrounding environment.
Learn more about the Plant a Tree programme.
Where are the trees planted?
Flexiteek supports global conservation efforts through World Land Trust, focusing on key biodiverse regions such as India, Armenia, and Brazil.
- India: The D’ering-Dibru Saikhowa Elephant Corridor is in Assam, in the Northeast of India. The corridor stretches across the Brahmaputra River flatlands. World Land Trust is working to restore 200 hectares by funding the planting of approximately 150,000 trees and implementing measures to encourage natural regeneration. India, which is home to nearly 8% of the world’s wildlife, highlighting the importance of protecting this rich biodiversity.
- Brazil: Focusing on the Atlantic Forest, which is one of the world’s most endangered forest regions. It has only 7% of its original coverage remaining due to centuries of deforestation. Since 2006, WLT has partnered with REGUA to plant over 634,000 trees from 180 native species, helping to reconnect fragmented forest areas.
- Armenia: Ranked among the top 35 biodiverse regions globally, benefits from its unique location at the crossroads of European, Asian, and Middle Eastern species. The trees planted in the coming years will restore a corridor used by 44 mammal species, creating a safe and thriving habitat for hunting, breeding, and resting.
Read more about each location to find out more: India Brazil Armenia
How Does World Land Trust Ensure Effective Conservation?
World Land Trust (WLT) collaborates with global partners such as the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC), Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu (REGUA) and Wildlife Trust of India (WTI). This teamwork ensures that each location receives tailored support, including tree planting and local economic benefits like job creation, education, and improved water supplies.
This personalised and connected approach by World Land Trust ensures that each area gets what it needs. For instance, their partners collect native seeds for trees that either benefit the local ecosystem or are at risk of extinction. This selection balances fast-growing and slow-growing trees to enhance biodiversity, for plants, wildlife, and animals.
Discover more about World Land Trust’s reforestation efforts here.
How Does World Land Trust SUPPORT ANIMALS?
By planting trees, the World Land Trust (WLT) is actively protecting the habitats of thousands of animal species around the globe. This initiative not only helps to restore and sustain the land but also ensures that essential resources, such as food and shelter, are available for wild.
In 2017, after a century-long absence, Lowland Tapirs were reintroduced to the Atlantic Forest, marking a significant step in conservation efforts. Often referred to as the “Gardeners of the Forest,” these remarkable creatures play a crucial role in seed dispersal, which enhances the growth and spread of trees, as well as other flora and fauna. Their presence in the ecosystem significantly contributes to the regeneration and health of the forest.
What is next?
This announcement reflects Flexiteek’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its environmental commitments and adopt best practices in the marine industry. So, in the upcoming years it will be exciting to share new tree milestones that Flexiteek passes, as they happen – check back to stay updated or follow our socials: Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn.
For more information, about Flexiteek’s Environmental Commitment, please visit here.
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 also over 200 of the world’s leading boat builders. For more information visit https://www.flexiteek.com/
Contact Information
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