SUSTAINABILITY
SUSTAINABILITY SHOWCASE
Whitespace: Combat deforestation and promote habitat protection in 12 countries worldwide
SUSTAINABILITY PILLAR: Environment
CATEGORY: Best Practice
Whitespace Group
Kai McKechnie
[email protected]
ABOUT THE PROJECT
When looking into carbon offsetting schemes in 2022 Whitespace Group decided to focus on ‘blue carbon’. Our research showed that the planting of mangroves and conservation of wetland areas has far more effective impact on Co2 absorption than terrestrial forests.
Through our collaboration with Evertreen, we aim to combat deforestation and promote habitat protection in 12 countries worldwide. The support for the environment has always been a part of our company culture and goals, and we have always looked for ways to support the environment effectively. Working with Evertreen is an effective way to do so, as they offer transparency through their satellite monitoring service, which allows us to see the impact of our tree planting efforts.
We can view videos taken by farmers to see our trees growing and thriving. Additionally, a public page allows everyone to see the GPS coordinates of their trees, making it easy for people to see the impact of their contributions. Furthermore, individuals can even add trees to the forest that Whitespace Group has started.
This partnership is essential for us because of the significant impact tree-planting can have on the environment. Tree planting can contribute to achieving several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), including:
SDG 1: No Poverty – Planting trees can provide income and livelihood opportunities for local communities through sustainable forestry practices and eco-tourism.
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Trees help to filter water and prevent soil erosion, leading to cleaner water.
SDG 13: Climate Action – Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Trees in urban areas can help to reduce the urban heat island effect, provide shade, and improve air quality.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Trees can be used sustainably for timber, paper, and other products, reducing the need for deforestation.
SDG 15: Life on Land – Trees provide habitat for wildlife, prevent soil erosion, and promote biodiversity.
THE RESULT
Evertreen’s tree planting projects do not only focus on environmental benefits but also on granting stable employment for local communities of farmers involved in the projects. By planting trees, we are not only contributing to environmental sustainability but also supporting local economies and communities.