Transforming our planet for 100 years

One hundred years ago, an environmentalist had a vision to empower communities to plant trees that protect the planet and transform their landscapes and lives.

Our founder, Richard St Barbe Baker, along with Chief Josiah Njonjo, shared that vision together in Kenya in July 1922, at a time when very few recognised the importance of trees. That moment, in the shadow of Mount Kenya, was the birth of International Tree Foundation and its mission to plant, protect and promote trees.

Today, 100 years later, we are still here. And what’s more, that pioneering vision of community-led forest restoration is more relevant than ever. Planting trees is widely acknowledged as being critical to protecting our planet and restoring decades of ecosystem destruction.

But our work is about more than planting individual trees. It is about empowering communities to protect and benefit from the landscapes around them. It’s about stopping threatened species from going extinct and reversing biodiversity loss. It’s about gender justice and giving people the tools to transform their lives.

International Tree Foundation has grown into a global community of planters, farmers, teachers, supporters and environmentalists. And I am proud to be a small part of our shared history. I’m inspired every day by the commitment of our community. Some had the pleasure of meeting St Barbe in their childhood and were inspired to pursue careers in forestry and environmental protection. Others joined as partners and have been planting trees with us for just a couple of seasons.

No matter how long you’ve been on the journey with us, we’re so grateful for your committed support.

Thanks to our amazing community we have been able to support the planting of over 5 million trees in the last ten years. Through this we’ve seen communities transform their landscapes and lives.

The environmental crisis threatens us all. St Barbe’s work and vision is more urgent than ever. We are committed to harnessing the energy and commitment of our ITF community to achieving greater change in the years ahead. Whether you’ve been with us for 100 days or 100 years, thank you for your support! Thank you for continuing to share this vision. And thank you for supporting the planting, protection and promotion of trees at a time when it is needed most.

 

Join our community

Together, we can make a difference for our planet. Plant trees with us today and transform landscapes and lives.

James Whitehead, CEO

James Whitehead is the CEO at the International Tree Foundation. James has twenty years’ experience in development and environmental work bridging community-led local action and international policy across multiple regions. He has had a number of high level roles in the third sector and is passionate about advancing social justice while addressing climate change.

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Restoration of Mount Kenya landscape

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St. Barbe’s Legacy: pioneer forester and global conservationist