« back to green & ethical

Soil, water & biodiversity

Forests are amongst the world’s most important ecosystems, containing the greatest assemblages of species found in any terrestrial ecosystem on the planet. They are also essential to the prevention of soil erosion and water purification. Tree roots bind soil together, and keep it in place by fastening it to underlying bedrock, and their leaves break the force of wind and rain which causes damage to topsoil. Trees also protect watersheds and their root fibres actively filter groundwater, trapping substances that are potential containments.

Silva Tree’s forestry projects actively prevent deforestation and encourage the regeneration of forests, thus helping to reduce soil erosion and loss of watersheds in the project area. The Princess Project is a reforestation project which regenerates already degrading soils in Panama by replacing trees and their subsequent benefits, which ensures further degradation does not occur.

Panama possesses 1569 known species of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles, of which 5.5% are endemic (which means they only exist in Panama) and 6.1% of these are threatened. Panama is also home to 9915 known species of plant, of which 12.3% are endemic (1). Although not native to Central America, Paulownia is a Tropical species originating from the Far East, and has been grown in the USA for nearly 200 years. It can provide shelter, food and a home to local animals, much like the previously dominant natural rainforest, and is well suited to the climate and terrain that Panama offers. With planned and executed projects in Panama totalling over 6000 hectares of reforestation activities, Silva Tree projects make a significant impact on soil, water and biodiversity in the country.

The Silva Tree Sustainable Pellet Project in Mozambique also creates soil, water and biodiversity benefits by planting a variety of species in place of diseased, dead and dying Coconut Palms. The Sustainable Timber Project in Suriname protects existing eco-systems by establishing a sustainable harvesting system to replace deforestation.