Plant 30,000 native trees Costa Rican owned farms

Hello my name is Lydia  and I have been volunteering my time as an intern with Community Carbon Trees in Costa Rica for almost one month. I came here to learn more in depth about the model of ACCT and specifically how social and environmental issues are related and addressed. 

The founder of ACCT Jennifer is a powerhouse and because of her mentorship and being exposed to her life, what I have found out since being here has already surpassed my expectations. I can really see the dedication, strength, love and sacrifice that it takes. It really is a beautiful thing to witness the commitment of the organization and impact it has on a macro and micro scale.

I have meet a wide array of people and groups that have been involved in all aspects of the organization. From plastic companies looking to offest their carbon emmisions in huge reforestation projects, tree planters and caretakers working in extreme conditions, community leaders dedicated to lifting up the locals with a support system and families that have seen the tree planting model change their lives. While meeting with these groups of people, I also have been able to witness first hand what a bio diverse reforestation process looks like. 

Traveling for the first time to my homeland Guyana, S.A., I saw a glimpse into what an untouched rainforest looks like. Also seeing the deforestation from mulitple industries that has directly impacted local commuinites and the environment, something has ignited something inside of me. It is my goal and my vision to replicate and carry this model forward.  In the time that I have been here I am confident that moving forward in this experience will give me the knowledge and confidence to develop my skills.

Community Carbon Trees has touched my life and the lives of others and I hope these words have touched you in a way that you will be inspired to be a part of  this community with your support. 

Have you sponsored a tree lately? It's Bonus Day Wednesday July 12 when GlobalGiving matches all doantions. So we are double excited to offer you 2 trees for 1 planted and cared for with our fairly paid communities of men and women working to regenerate the rainforest for the whole planet's wellbeing. It's planting season down in Costa Rica and our crews are busy chopping cattle grasses around trees we planted the last 4 years to insure robust healthy growth rates and success. Everytime our workers vist your trees, they get paid by your generous sponsorships. This relationship creates long term sustainable employment opportunities which means that vulnerable families living near rainforest no longer need to cut it down for income. 

Check out the trees gorwing at Eco Chontales waterfall project where we have planted and cared for over 3500 diverse trees.  Planting trees here has changed the vibe of this piece of land from a stinky, dead, dry,  itchy and hot cattle farm where herbicides and pesticides were used indiscriminately to a blooming, buzzing, shady, pleasant clean and green wonderland! Jose, one of the brothers who own this land is pictured here with his new shirt boasting the eco tourism waterfall tour project also supported by the salaries he and his brothers make planting and caring for the trees on their own land. They have added infrastructure to the land, and offer delicious lunches to tourists who visit to swim in the clean fresh waters and admire the beauty and health of the regnerating ecosystem.

It all starts with the rainforest trees. They serve as the motor that drives abundance and success, real change and sustainability to otherwise empoverished and desperate farmers struggling to make a living and conserve the forest. Building eco tourism projects with trees in the center is another positive impact that comes from sponsoring trees. Building win win win solutions with your sponsorships gives more and more people hope! Giving back to Mother Nature feels good. have you sponsored a tree lately? Wednesday July 12 is 2 for 1 day and GlobalGiving matches your donation! So set your alarms, get up early and show us your love and support as we keep working hard together to be the change we all want to see in the world !