Youth planting trees in defence of sea-level rise and erosion, Papua New Guinea
In Gaire village, Papua New Guinea, groups of youth are planting mango and tabebuia trees in vulnerable areas around their village.
Hubert, youth worker, Ola Fou alumni, and project co-ordinator, knows that planting trees mitigates the global crisis of climate change and provides immediate community benefits. As trees grow they act as carbon sinks, offsetting some of the emissions that ARO project partners have unavoidably contributed to the climate crisis.
Importantly, these trees act as more than carbon sinks. Local youth are planting trees in two areas: stabilising ground vulnerable to erosion, and preparing a defence from rising sea levels. Trees planted with the ARO project will have a legacy in supporting Gaire Village as the land, sea, and climate change.
Plastics are re-used wherever possible – a typical day will begin with seedlings in recycled yogurt containers carefully placed out over the land that will be planted. Tree-planting days provide an authentic place for conversations about environmental degradation and responsibility with the next generation of leaders. As young people plant mango and tabebuia tree seedlings they are investing in their future, even as their community invests in them.
The details
The first stage of this project will sponsor 100 trees.
Trees cost $4 NZD each. This is paid out over the first year of planting, with the young person responsible receiving at least half. Donations to overseas projects are not eligible for tax deduction.
All ARO projects will have an independent verifier local to the region to monitor progress and outcomes.
