Trees are fundamental to human well-being, ecosystems, and the stability of the Earth’s climate, as tropical forests alone can absorb up to 12.5 tonnes of carbon per hectare annually (Pan et al., Science, 2011) and store more than 200–400 tonnes of carbon per hectare in aboveground biomass (Baccini et al., Nature Climate Change, 2012), while globally forests hold about 289 gigatonnes of carbon in vegetation and 1,500 gigatonnes in soil (IPCC, 2019), regulate water cycles, prevent soil erosion, reduce urban heat by up to 5–8°C through shade and evapotranspiration (Gill et al., Landscape and Urban Planning, 2007), and provide habitat for over 80% of terrestrial species of animals, plants, and fungi (FAO, 2020); therefore, the protection and conservation of trees is not only crucial for mitigating climate change but also indispensable for safeguarding biodiversity, maintaining ecosystem services, and ensuring a livable planet for future generations.
Tree conservation with Seasoldier starts with a site assessment to determine location feasibility, planting methods, and suitable seedlings, followed by both natural regeneration in their habitat and reforestation activities such as planting trees suited to the local environment or economically valuable species that do not require cutting (e.g., fruit, resin). The program also includes partner awareness sessions, planting with proven methods appropriate for the site, and continuous monitoring and maintenance for at least one year to ensure the trees grow and thrive naturally. Local communities are actively involved to ensure that tree conservation not only benefits the environment but also supports the well-being of the surrounding community. The entire process, from initial assessment to long-term monitoring, is carried out by the Seasoldier Conservation Team.
