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The Value of Native Trees
Not many people doubt the benefits of planting and maintaining trees for a healthy environment, but what kinds of trees to plant is an issue we haven't quite figured out.
For example, esteemed organizations such as the Green Belt Movement advocate for the propagation of local, indigenous tree species. However many international aid campaigns and companies are now pushing for the growth of imported species with specific benefits such as Jatropha for oil, Sesbania, Gliricidia and Tephrosia for nitrogen fixing properties, and Moringa for medicinal and nutritional properties.
We normally ask our clients what kinds of trees they would like to plant, but we'd like to be able to recommend species that are going to be a fit for the ecosystem over the long term.
What do you think? Indigenous vs. imported species??? Share your thoughts!! They'll help us plan our next steps down the road.
Tags: Environment, Trees
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Mike Buffo on -
My short answer: both, it all depends on goals.
Native trees should be used where possible but exotic trees can be of great value. CMI, its clients, and other relevant stakeholders (e.g. Forestry Department) should work together to decide the goal or goals of tree planting. For example, if the goal is to reforest Zambia natives should be used. If the goal is to grow trees for timber native trees could be used but exotics may be appropriate for their growth form and wood qualities. For nitrogen fixation, exotics or Faiderbia are probably fine. Also, don't forget that fruit trees are a great source of vitamins and could be used to improve local nutrition.
I'd like to see the goals of planting address specific resource deficiencies in a community such as the lack of timber, fruit or flowering trees. This would make the tree planting more relevant to the community and better highlight the value of trees.
By the way, the main Tephrosia species promoted in Zambia, Tephrosia vogelii, is native. In Northwestern Province, it was a well known fish poison but was also used to remove jiggers from pigs.
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Permalink Reply by Sarah Grant on -
I agree on the value of working with communities to identify what their needs and goals are regarding environmental resources. I am looking forward to working with some of our colleagues in Zambia to maybe piece together a process for client evaluation, education and strategic planning to underly our joint efforts at strengthening forest resources.
Most of our clients at this point have chosen fruit, nitrogen fixing or timber tree species planted around schools, fields, gardens and homes. A meeting with the forestry department is definitely in our best interest to learn about their own objectives, challenges and successes with community tree planting. I also did not know about tephrosia as a native species - seems I need a refresh course in forestry as well!
One issue to think on will be whether we should require clients to participate in tree planting along with the responsibilities of their loans. We may separate the programs catering to those who are ready for a loan (paid 100% in cash) and communities eager for tree planting. We have had several applications from community groups who simply want to plant trees, but we have not been able to consider them because it is not a "business loan" as there is no immediate financial feedback for them.
Is it possible to fund tree planting activities with money returned to CMI through successful loans and a separate option for Lenders to donate to environmental work?
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