CO2 OFFSET FOREST PLANTED IN THAILAND

An Earth Charter Forest is underway in northern Thailand that will be maintained for a minimum of 40 years to offset climate changing greenhouse gases while providing a natural habitat for indigenous flora and fauna.

The first batch of 1,000 Magnoliaceae trees were planted in the Hai Pang Valley of the Mai Rim Mountain Range surrounding the Chiang Mai northern city gateway to Thaiand. The hill tribe villagers of Hai Pang have undertaken to plant and care for the new forest trees on their protected common land.

Magnoliaceae is a hardy large green leafed species that grows abundantly in Thailand's tropical environment to a height of 20 meters. The trees produce a seasonal white flower that emits a sweet scent that is regarded by locals as nature's blessing.
Magnoliaceae trees have no commercial value for timber harvesting and, consequently, will be spared from any poachers looking for illegal wood of value.

Thousands of Magnoliaceae trees for the first Earth Charter Forest (ECF1) in Thailand are being planted during the rainy season of the southwest monsoon, which is the seasonal window for tree planting over much of greater Asia.

Earth Charter Forests are among the projects sponsored by members of the non-profit Earth Charter Foundation that supports the UN endorsed Earth Charter, as a guiding light for the sustainability and protection of the planet's environment.

Photo: Patrick Cusick, Founder of the Earth Charter Foundation with village leaders discusses where trees will be planted for the first Earth Charter Forest in Thailand.

MORE FORESTS FOR THAILAND

A second Earth Charter Forest (ECF2) has been identified for implementation in Chiang Rai near to the golden triangle where the borders of Thailand, Burma and Laos converge.

The PATT (Plant a Tree Today) organization - in a joint venture with the Earth Charter Foundation - has identified protected land in Chiang Rai (pictured) for implementation of an Earth Charter Forest for a 40 years minimum.

EARTH CHARTER FORESTS IN AUSTRALIA

Earth Charter Forests are being implemented across greater Asia as well as along the north coast of New South Wales and in the northern Australia.