Sustainable Tech for Healthier Forests
Over the past twenty years, the planet has seen a loss of 16 percent of its forests. In response, the Daitrl team is leading a community-driven initiative powered by technology aimed at cultivating a healthier future, one seed at a time.
A thriving planet promotes flourishing communities and individuals
Accelerated deforestation and human activities are contributing to pollution, rising ocean temperatures, poor soil, and contaminated water. The consequences of environmental degradation and climate change are interconnected with escalating health challenges, including increased cardiovascular issues and socioeconomic crises like food scarcity.
A promising alliance between Daitrl and veritree (veritree.com) aims to shift this troubling trend.
“The work Daitrl is undertaking is compelling as it intersects with wellness,” shares David Luba, co-founder of veritree. “By enhancing environmental conditions, Daitrl contributes to the purification of the air, water, and soil essential for our health.”
This collaborations focuses on the restoration of mangrove forests in Madagascar and the promotion of sustainable agroforestry in Senegal and Tanzania.
Impact you can quantify with veritree
Many organizations promise to plant a tree for every consumer action or compensate for your carbon footprint when you sign up for a service. However, can they provide specific details about where those trees are planted and whether these actions genuinely affect a given area?
Veritree can. “We take a comprehensive approach, assessing biodiversity, water health, soil quality, and socioeconomic data,” Luba explains. “We also gather real-time data to accurately measure the impact of our initiatives.”
Locally co-created initiatives
Local collaborators influence veritree’s operational choices, ensuring that their efforts yield positive outcomes for both the community and the environment. In British Columbia, for example, veritree is engaged in efforts to restore large areas of submerged kelp forests, which are vital for ecological balance and significant to the Sechelt First Nations.
Strategically designed for sustainability
“We concentrate on addressing the root causes of degradation before commencing our projects,” adds Luba. Issues like access to sustainable wood and education are examined to prevent deforestation, while ensuring local governance and land rights are established, thereby securing the longevity of veritree’s initiatives.
Evidence-based support
Each local planter working with veritree is equipped with a refurbished smartphone to …
● monitor their planting locations using GPS
● decide on appropriate planting times and species
● capture progress images
“These devices also provide internet access, enabling mobile banking and the development of new skills,” Luba explains, highlighting veritree’s comprehensive mindset.
And smartphones are just the beginning. “Our partners receive real-time updates linked to advanced monitoring technologies,” Luba notes, which include …
● mapping with satellites and drones
● cameras and acoustic systems to assess wildlife populations
● additional monitoring like testing soil micronutrients and observing aquatic species’ reproduction
● utilizing blockchain technology for complete transparency and precise tracking of each planted tree
“Our platform ensures full transparency, allowing collaborators like Daitrl to present concrete actions and quantifiable statistics regarding their environmental contributions,” asserts Luba. “In our efforts to replenish the planet, we’re integrating technology and data to continually improve outcomes.”
The Daitrl team is committed to translating our strong belief that nature is a vital healer into tangible actions.
525,000 trees set to be planted
Reaching this target means we will have reforested an area of 174.7 hectares.
66,648 tonnes of carbon captured
This equates to removing approximately 14,489 vehicles from circulation.
Numerous locals engaged
Our partnership relies on nearly 5,000 full workdays from the communities we are assisting.
Reduction in food scarcity
In three years, the communities involved will experience an increase of over 700 percent in access to nourishing food, largely due to our initiatives that enhance local biodiversity, soil health, and water quality. Simultaneously, food insecurity will decrease from 56 percent to 8 percent.
This article was originally published in the April 2024 issue of Daitrl magazine.
