Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Khiri Reach, the philanthropic division of Khiri Travel, contributed US$15,000 to the One Million Tree reforestation initiative in the provinces of Koh Kong and Sihanoukville, Cambodia. This commitment extends to a minimum duration of three years to support the endeavor.
Managed by Wildlife Alliance, the initiative focuses on planting numerous tree saplings to rehabilitate forests that have suffered from fires or have been cleared by illegal land acquisition and logging activities.
The project’s goal is to regenerate these devastated areas to allow for the revival of biodiversity and habitats. This is particularly critical for the Southern Cardamom mountains, which are home to the last remaining uninterrupted wild corridor for Asian elephants. The continuation of this corridor and the survival of numerous species of mammals, birds, insects, and plants are reliant on preserving sufficient forested areas.
By reintroducing native tree species, the project not only retains soil moisture but also helps in cooling the local climate during dry seasons, and plays a role in preventing landslides and flash floods.
Initially, saplings are nurtured in a nursery near the village of Chi Phat in Koh Kong province. Once they are replanted on areas that have been illegally cleared, Wildlife Alliance takes charge of their protection and care for at least five years.
As of now, the initiative has successfully reforested 4.2 million square meters of land in the mentioned provinces.
The recent financial support from Khiri Reach will enable the nursery to increase its capacity from 190,000 to 265,000 saplings. These saplings are raised under shade nets with adequate irrigation facilities to ensure their healthy growth.
“The Million Tree project is exactly the kind of initiative that Khiri Reach likes to contribute to,” said Willem Niemeijer, Chairman of Khiri Reach and founder of Khiri Travel. “It is run with the local community, under professional supervision and with clear metrics and goals.”
Khiri Reach subsequently increased its contributions through donations from Khiri Travel guests eager to support a carbon offset and nature restoration initiative.
Suwanna Gauntlett, founder and CEO of Wildlife Alliance said: “We are very grateful for Khiri Reach’s donation and ongoing support. We also invite other potential donors to follow the Khiri example and support the project in any way that they can.”
Wildlife Alliance, overseeing the initiative, employs local community members to work at both the nursery near Chi Phat and the reforestation locations.
Located near the Chi Phat village, the One Million Tree nursery raises 18 types of native rainforest tree saplings, which are prepared for planting in the field within six to 12 months, varying by species. The selection of reforestation areas is deliberate, targeting regions previously devastated by fires and illegal clearing activities. To foster the growth of sustainable ecosystems, a critical five-year maintenance phase follows the planting, focusing on soil improvement and the replanting of any saplings that did not survive.
Track record over two decades
“For over two decades, Wildlife Alliance has worked in partnership with local communities and the Government of Cambodia to preserve nearly four million acres of dense monsoon forest in the Cardamom Rainforest, maintain freshwater reserves of 22 major waterways, and – as a direct result – keep local temperatures stable at an average of 32 degrees centigrade all year round.”
She added: “The vast majority of indigenous peoples who live in the Southern Cardamom Rainforest agree that the REDD+ carbon offset program has been hugely beneficial. None of this would have been possible without the funding generated under the REDD+ carbon forest offset program.”
Niemeijer said: “Khiri Reach will continue to work closely with responsible, professional organisations, such as Wildlife Alliance, that are implementing vital conservation and regeneration projects.”
Khiri Reach also backs reforestation efforts in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and Chiang Rai in northern Thailand, alongside a seagrass conservation project in Sri Lanka.
“With the Khiri Reach regenerative travel fund, we invite Khiri Travel customers and partners to support these projects with each booking that they make,” said Niemeijer.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
