Not only do forests act as carbon sinks, but they also provide vital habitat for animals and ecological services for humans, such as purifying the air and regulating local temperatures. Responsible reforestation programs can stabilize land from erosion or natural disasters, improve soil health and groundwater recharge, and promote native and endemic fauna. The Canopy Project also ensures that the people who live near the planting projects benefit from this work as well by training local workers on how to care for the trees and harvest the produce. As a result, these projects strengthen food and economic security in nearby communities.

In Uganda, EARTHDAY.ORG's Lira Forest Garden Project illustrates the community-based approach that ensures our reforestation projects will remain protected. EARTHDAY.ORG's staff and on-the-ground partners train local farmers to optimize their fields' productivity. In this project, large-scale reforestation efforts are combined with smaller areas of farmland used for agro-crops, such as fruit trees. Education on agricultural best practices and tree care allows the village community to obtain job opportunities and earn a sustainable income while helping to combat the climate crisis.

"In order to support local communities and their economies, protect biodiversity, and ultimately fight climate change, the world must invest in reforestation." said Kathleen Rogers, President, EARTHDAY.ORG. "Invest the time to educate communities, invest the time to understand the challenges, and invest the time to create sustainable practices. These efforts are a critical piece of the puzzle to improve our shared environment."

For more information on The Canopy Project, a map of planting locations, and how to get involved, please visit: https://www.earthday.org/campaign/the-canopy-project/

EARTHDAY.ORG International Day of Forests Petition
As the world begins to see the continuing effects of climate change and deforestation, EARTHDAY.ORG calls on businesses globally to put sustainability first in their daily operations and supply chain. The effects of industry upon the world's canopy has resulted in 10 million hectares of forest being lost each year. EARTHDAY.ORG will deliver this petition to key trade and government stakeholders around the world to make lasting change across sectors. Please visit: https://www.earthday.org/tell-businesses-stop-deforestation/

About EARTHDAY.ORG:
EARTHDAY.ORG's mission is to diversify, educate, and activate the environmental movement worldwide. Growing out of the first Earth Day (1970), EARTHDAY.ORG is the world's largest recruiter to the environmental movement, working with more than 150,000 partners in nearly 192 countries to build environmental democracy. More than 1 billion people now participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world. Learn more at: https://www.earthday.org