VISIONARY: RICHARD ST BARBE BAKER

Ahead of his time. Visionary and first global conservationist. Richard St Barbe Baker predicted and prescribed the solution for the current global environmental crisis. Trees.

Richard witnessed devastating effects of land-clearing due to WW1, colonization and destructive farming practices in Africa, Europe, Middle East and Asia. He foresaw increasing global disasters, Earth degradation, drought and poverty as a direct result of Tree loss.

Together with the Kikuyu people of Kenya, Richard formed the Watu Wa Miti movement. Their work in the 1920s proved that reforestation is the solution for combatting climate change and poverty.

There are many foundations and initiatives all around the world directly influenced by the Watu Wa Miti.

See the positive impact Richard’s foundations are making today.

ANCIENT

There are Trees alive today that are around 5000 years old!.

Certain ancient Individuals have been affectionately named, such as

Gran Abuelo in Chile,

Methuselah in California,

Sarv-e Abarqu in Yazd,

Jomon Sugi in Japan,

and The Olive Tree of Vouves in Greece.

There’s life on this planet more wondrous and ancient than we might realize!

And still many more undiscovered giants in the deep unexplored regions of our planet...

AIR

As well as absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, Tree leaves purify toxic pollutants from the air!

Breathing in the antibacterial and antifungal chemicals (called phytoncides) in forest air helps improve our health and fight diseases such as cancer.

Transpiration allows water taken up by the Tree to flow from leaves as vapor and enter the surrounding atmosphere. This lowers temperatures on a hot day, and restores a healthy level of humidity for humans and wildlife to breathe.

Trees also act as valuable windbreaks to protect other plants from strong winds, increase farm crop yields, defend against desert dust movement, and improve urban microclimates.

WATER

Perhaps the most critical function of Trees is their circulation of water in the air and the Earth’s waterways. Streams, rivers, lakes and our crucially important water tables under the soil surface all rely on an inextricable relationship with Trees.

Tree roots create stability in soils and help filter out pollutants. Deep tap roots can penetrate down into deeper soils and move water upwards to shallower soil gradients (“Hydraulic Redistribution”) which allows smaller plants to access moisture.

Tree and plant roots together increase soil permeability allowing for rainfall to infiltrate the soil deeply and fill up ground water reserves, which globally are sinking further and further.

Tree canopies deliver vapor into the atmosphere through multiple processes, such as through photosynthesis when leaves’ pores open and release water. (In the Amazon this water collects to form a “river in the sky”!)

The interdependent link between Trees and water is often overlooked. Yet this relationship is the vital difference between a flourishing life-filled environment and a barren, dead land.

HEALTH

Trees improve the health of the planet, and also affect the health of each individual human being!

Certain gases released by Trees improve respiration and circulation when breathed in, as well as supporting the body’s immunity and decreasing blood pressure. Research shows that higher Tree populations also improve mental well-being, alleviate stress & anxiety, and are particularly helpful for children managing overwhelming emotions.

Trees also provide atmospheric conditions necessary for reducing allergies and pollution-related diseases, as well as boosting resistance to illness by regulating temperatures and humidity.

The beauty of Trees - including the sound of the breeze through leaves, the chirping of birds, and dappled sunlight - contribute to feelings of safety and calm which benefit the nervous system, digestion and ability to regenerate.

VALUE

Trees not only add ecological value to a region but are a huge factor in increasing economic value! Mature, healthy Trees will add $$$ to any urban site, business district, residential area or holiday destination.

Research has shown that locations with higher populations of Trees encourage positive consumer behaviour with increased pedestrian foot traffic and sales in shopping districts. Worker efficiency is also boosted with improved health, morale, retention and productivity, saving companies money and minimizing staff turn-around. Students’ concentration levels and study performance also benefit from the presence of healthy Trees.

Microeconomies in the poorest parts of the world are stimulated with the help of Trees and their produce, and every level up to the global economy profits by the healthy proliferation of Trees in all parts of society.

PLANET EARTH

The Earth must not lose its protective green mantle of Trees.

Deserts are spreading at an alarming rate all over the globe. We are universally drying out, experiencing more wildfires, flooding, and extreme weather events.

Restoring the population of mature Trees is the most important treatment for the Earth's waterways & oceans, its air, soil structure, fertility, weather regulation, and ability to support life.

Organisations like Save the Redwoods in California and the International Tree Foundation have been actively working to protect our precious ancient Trees and increase forest populations. Much more needs to be done to educate people about the vital importance of Trees. Together we can reclaim the deserts and re-cover our planet.

LIFE

Trees are fundamental in regulating the Earth’s water systems and supporting all forms of life.

In the 1920s Richard St Barbe Baker proposed a plan to reclaim the Sahara desert through Tree planting called the "Green Front". This has inspired many similar projects to combat spreading deserts today, such as the Great Green Wall of Africa.

Trees are central to all thriving communities. They provide shelter, food and water for all creatures. By planting Trees, long-damaged land can regain indigenous flora and fauna populations and re-establish wildlife corridors, as evident from numerous reforestation efforts around the world.

Trees are the key to supporting animal species and human beings threatened by poverty and scarcity-driven conflict.

SOIL STRUCTURE

Tree roots and their incredible relationship with mycorrhizae fungi knit together to form an interconnected network between plants under the surface where minerals, nutrients, and water are all circulated and shared.

Earthworms and other helpful creatures take nutrients from fallen leaves and twigs deep down under the Earth's surface, improving the quality, aeration and structure of the soil and promoting microbial activity. This in turn prevents soil erosion, run-off and flooding.

The rapid spread of desertification can be directly combatted through the incredible power of Trees, and their ability to support different systems of life.

By planting and protecting Trees, soil structure can be rebuilt, food can grow and animal & human populations can thrive in prosperity.