about TFTF

Planting trees, changing lives
Who are Trees for the Future?
What is Agroforestry?
How does it work?
Zip are Trees for the Future's first European Supporter

Planting trees, changing lives

Since 1989 Trees for the Future have planted over 80 million trees in more than 65 countries around the world. Each year these trees remove more than 2 million tons of carbon dioxide from the global atmosphere.

"We must look at the earth as an island in the black sea of space. Climate doesn't respect boundaries, and neither does pollution, carbon-dioxide, nor the lack of trees to produce oxygen. We only have one world, and we all share it.

It is not too late. We have developed programs that work. We are restoring trees and forests to degraded lands. We are showing communities how to utilize renewable energy sources and we can be leaders in the world for a positive change".

Dave Deppner
Trees for the Future, Co-Founder

Who are Trees for the Future?

Trees for the Future (TFTF) are an agroforestry charity, helping people in developing countries improve their rural livelihoods through the introduction of sustainable land management projects. TFTF are focused on beneficial tree planting and educating communities - helping people to help themselves. They are now celebrating their 20th Anniversary - see latest news page for more information.

What is Agroforestry?

Agroforestry has been practiced around the world in varying forms for thousands of years. It is a land-use system that combines agriculture, trees, people, and animals in the same space, resulting in improved soil quality, higher yields, and improved standards of living.
Through the network of technicians, volunteers, and community leaders world-wide, the TFTF program reaches remote areas and gives local people the knowledge and ability to rehabilitate their environment.

How does it work?

TFTF begin by planting tough, fast-growing trees that have the ability to survive in harsh conditions, and begin rebuilding the land. By choosing non-invasive species tailored to the needs of the communities they serve, they create agroforestry systems that rebuild worn soils, reduce erosion, replenish groundwater aquifers and create microclimate conditions that encourage the return of indigenous species. It's called "assisted natural regeneration."
There are hundreds of suitable species, but TFTF rely on around 11 which have been proven to succeed. There are others that would work, but all over the world, TFTF have first-hand experience of seeing what happens when somebody plants the wrong kind of trees - so they know how important the right trees are.

Zip are Trees for the Future's first European Supporter

Zip are proud to be involved with TFTF, working towards a cleaner, greener world. We will particularly be focusing on Rebu, Ethiopia and following the progress that our contributions make to this area.

Click here for more information on the Rebu project.