Trees in Tanzania I have opinions. Not a lot, but I do have a few. However, I'm not particularly expressive of them (for a variety of reasons, not least of which is simply because I don't want to look stupid). Furthermore, I don't get excited about them that often. One thing that I'm particularly excited about, however, is a group called TIST. TIST stands for The International Small Group Tree Planting Program (I guess TISGTPP is cumbersome).

I found out about it a while ago, but didn't investigate it that much. Small groups of farmers in Tanzania (now spread to India, Uganda and Kenya) have begun planting trees in their native lands. Basically, they do this in answer to problem that over two thirds of the world is facing right now: Sustainable development.

These countries' landscapes are dry, hot and desolate. Moreover, the land has been abused. Trees have been cleared away and the soil has become infertile. The trees they plant provide them with shade and protection against wind. They help prevent erosion, which washes away fertile topsoil. Some types of trees even enrich the soil quality directly, while others provide fruits, nuts, animal food, timber, medicines, bee habitats, and even insecticides. In an economy based heavily upon agriculture, the benefits of these trees are enormous.

On top of all that, the farmers are able to cash in on CO2 credits, or GhG credits (Greenhouse Gas), to the UN and to private investors such as yourself. If you don't know how that works, that's okay. I'll explain it (but you probably should read more). CO2 gas exists naturally in our atmosphere. We emit it. Cars emit it, etc. This gas helps the earth retain its heat. The problem of global warming of course comes in here. There's too much of this gas in the atmosphere and we're heating up. The trees absorb this gas, and help restore a natural balance to the atmosphere.

So it's a pretty good deal for everyone involved. The farmers benefit on a multitude of levels. Not only are they able to make some money on the GhG credits, but they are already benefiting from a more productive land. I don't think I have to flesh out for you how this helps their many problems, but basically, this gets to the core of all of them. Hunger, economic development, AIDS - these problems are all helped. Plus, you get some shade and scenery that you didn't used to have.

I became acquainted with this movement via Jerry Martin, who was instrumental in helping it get off the ground a few years ago. This is one of the most positive things I've heard going on in Africa. I have high hopes for them.

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  ¶ 7:53 PM