According to IUCN, the World Conservation Union, “80% of original forest that covered the earth 8000 years ago has been cleared, fragmented, or degraded by modern society”. Over nine million hectares of forest lands are lost each year throughout the world.
One Banana recognizes that the preservation of the world’s forests is crucial, both for planetary and socioeconomic reasons. “Forests are critically important for life to exist on this planet – they literally allow the planet to breathe. Forests help reduce air pollution, greenhouse gases, and help to prevent soil loss and erosion”, said Bernhard Roehrs, Corporate Communications Director for One Banana. “We believe that we can make a difference in our communities by taking steps to educate and actively making a difference.”
With the support of the Private Investigation Institute on Climate Change –ICC and the participation of the Community Development Committee (COCODE), One Banana employees, along with the local community recently reforested a farm in La Gomera Escuintla, for conservation purposes.
Several native species were used in the reforestation of the area, such as Ramón, `Chichique`, Cordia gerascanthus L. (volador), hormigo, mahogany, cedar, raintree, and others. This initiative will contribute to the conservation of these local species that are currently scarce in the region.
This reforestation is part of One Banana’s adaptation program to climate change and supports the activities conducted by ICC in the framework of the Comprehensive Basin Management program.
Believing that education is the key to lasting change, One Banana also is taking steps in educating their employees and community through a diploma course “Community Adaptation to Climate Change”. The course was presented to One Banana workers and community leaders of the Guatemala southwestern “trifinio”, with the objective of strengthening local capacities and adopting adaptation measures in the face of imminent climate change.
Contact:
One Banana
Tel: 844-663-2262