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Helping local communities

All Silva Tree projects are centred around social and community benefits, introducing sustainable development and fighting poverty.

In Panama, Silva Tree forestry projects provide hundreds of jobs for local workers and have introduced an alternative source of income to an area that relies on a vanishing cattle farming industry.

In Mozambique, thousands of people rely on coconut palm trees for their income and the recent Lethal Yellowing Disease threatens their livelihood. By eliminating the diseased trees and providing alternative land uses, Silva Tree is helping local communities to re-establish themselves following an economic disaster.

In Suriname, Silva Tree’s project is rebuilding Gododrai, a village devastated and abandoned by civil war and returning people to their homes.

Community activities form an integral part of all Silva Tree projects because we realize that our projects depend on the people around them. We have found kindness and enthusiasm in the people who work on our projects and protect them. We, in turn, look after these communities by offering employment and agricultural opportunities as well as getting involved with schools, social activities, improving housing and living conditions.

Every care is taken not to interfere with individual cultures and Silva Tree encourages the education of modern communities about ancient customs and practices. All people affected by our projects, no matter how subtly, are given the opportunity to give us their comments. If any of our activities create a negative impact on local communities, we adapt them accordingly- our aim is to improve people’s lives as much as we can, not to disturb them.

All Silva Tree Projects are involved in various social events, charities and activities, please see our newsletters for specific projects’ events.

Christmas in Chépo

Christmas is a special time in Panama, with much of the population belonging to the Christian faith. In chépo, where most of Silva Tree’s activities in Panama are based, festivities are a rare treat. In 2009, Silva Tree hosted a party at a local school, and was delighted when the whole village turned out, including all the adults. Some of the children present do not possess a single toy, so the gifts that were distributed were received with much enthusiasm. The day ended with a traditional piñata in the yard.

During Xmas 2010, local flooding made a party impossible so hampers were given to field workers and our gift to the wider community was to provide as much flood recovery assistance as possible.

Community Support Panama

Local communities approach Silva Tree for help and support when required. Activities such as digging water wells, repairing roads and bridges and offering assistance during the floods of 2010, are some examples of Silva Tree’s ongoing community support.

Escuela Caño Zapota

As a part of their World Environment Day 2009 celebrations, Silva Tree launched their community project, helping local school, Escuela Caño Zapota, which required essential repair work. Escuela Caño Zapota is a small school, located in a remote rural village near the Silva Tree Carbon Offset Reforestation Project and was in need of vital repair work. Silva Tree believe in supporting local communities as a part of our projects so when we found out the school needed help, we offered to assist.