FREELAND works with park authorities, local communities, schools and private sector partners to regenerate habitat for wildlife and help mitigate global warming. We are pioneering new reforestation approaches.

FREELAND field biologists have developed a new reforestation approach to restore areas denuded by human encroachment. Tree species are selected for their edible foliage qualities to encourage animals and life to return quickly to the damaged area. Sensitive to existing landscapes, this approach is designed to rapidly restore ecosystem processes that underpin important environmental services, such as water and fertile soils for surrounding agriculture.

In addition to restoring habitat for wildlife and helping to mitigate global warming, FREELAND reforestation activities are organized to have several positive ancillary benefits:

• Employment - local villagers work for months ahead of the planting to nurture the saplings from seeds for the reforestation.
• Education - student participation in the planting (including a full day of environment focused educational activities) builds awareness about the importance of forest preservation in future generations.
• Community Engagement - encourages closer and more understanding relationships between local communities and park protection authorities.
• Citizen and Corporate Social Responsibility - private sector donors and businesses have an opportunity to invest in conservation and actively participate in tree planting projects.