Plant A Tree Today Foundation
Encyclopedia
The Plant A Tree Today Foundation (PATT) is a non-governmental
environmental organization with primary operations in Thailand
and Indonesia
. Established in 2005, PATT attempts to raise environmental awareness and foster better practices in less developed nations around the world, planting trees as a means to combat deforestation
and climate change
.
, England
, established the organization as a means of combating ongoing deforestation in less-developed nations
around the world through public education and tree-planting campaigns. The group is a registered charitable organisation in the United Kingdom
since 2006.
Shortly after its launch PATT began to work with UK fundraising consultant The Midas Partnership, which assisted in the generation of initial capitalisation of the group. Fundraising activities were conducted both in the UK and in Thailand, a nation of primary concern to the organisation.
It is also a registered foundation in Thailand. Steel remains the Managing Director of the foundation, assisted by Director Charlotte Whalley.
PATT works to raise awareness of global environmental issues, campaign for better environmental practices and take action against deforestation and climate change by planting trees. It implements tree planting projects and carbon offsetting with environmentally conscious businesses, provides environmental education to schools in developing countries, and funds community development
projects in rural communities centered on tree planting and reforestation
.
Reforestation projects sponsored by PATT attempt to generate broad participation among the affected communities. For example, a 2008 reforestation project in Phetchaburi
, Thailand, brought together school children, monks, governmental officers, and local villagers with forestation staff in planting over 2500 trees. Native tree species were replanted in a forest degraded by selective logging in an effort to restore animal habitat. The restored lowland deciduous
tropical forest was to be used in the future as a tool for future environmental education.
SEED Award. The SEED Initiative, founded by the United Nations Environmental Programme and the United Nations Development Programme
, identifies and supports promising locally-oriented enterprises in developing countries which are working to improve livelihoods and manage natural resources sustainably.
The group's Carbon Bank and Village Development Project targeted 48 rural villages in Thailand, helping to establish community forests and a micro-finance system in each, managed by the local communities themselves. Ultimately it is hoped that degraded land in these communities will be reforested and climate change lessened through the project, while at the same time village economies are enhanced.
Thailand
Indonesia
India
South Africa
Malaysia
The organisation states that it intends to plant 1 million trees in Thailand in 2011.
Non-governmental organization
A non-governmental organization is a legally constituted organization created by natural or legal persons that operates independently from any government. The term originated from the United Nations , and is normally used to refer to organizations that do not form part of the government and are...
environmental organization with primary operations in Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
and Indonesia
Indonesia
Indonesia , officially the Republic of Indonesia , is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Indonesia is an archipelago comprising approximately 13,000 islands. It has 33 provinces with over 238 million people, and is the world's fourth most populous country. Indonesia is a republic, with an...
. Established in 2005, PATT attempts to raise environmental awareness and foster better practices in less developed nations around the world, planting trees as a means to combat deforestation
Deforestation
Deforestation is the removal of a forest or stand of trees where the land is thereafter converted to a nonforest use. Examples of deforestation include conversion of forestland to farms, ranches, or urban use....
and climate change
Climate change
Climate change is a significant and lasting change in the statistical distribution of weather patterns over periods ranging from decades to millions of years. It may be a change in average weather conditions or the distribution of events around that average...
.
Establishment and purpose
The Plant A Tree Today Foundation (PATT) was organised in November 2005 by Andrew "Andy" Steel. Steel (born 1970), a native of HullKingston upon Hull
Kingston upon Hull , usually referred to as Hull, is a city and unitary authority area in the ceremonial county of the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. It stands on the River Hull at its junction with the Humber estuary, 25 miles inland from the North Sea. Hull has a resident population of...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
, established the organization as a means of combating ongoing deforestation in less-developed nations
Developing country
A developing country, also known as a less-developed country, is a nation with a low level of material well-being. Since no single definition of the term developing country is recognized internationally, the levels of development may vary widely within so-called developing countries...
around the world through public education and tree-planting campaigns. The group is a registered charitable organisation in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
since 2006.
Shortly after its launch PATT began to work with UK fundraising consultant The Midas Partnership, which assisted in the generation of initial capitalisation of the group. Fundraising activities were conducted both in the UK and in Thailand, a nation of primary concern to the organisation.
It is also a registered foundation in Thailand. Steel remains the Managing Director of the foundation, assisted by Director Charlotte Whalley.
PATT works to raise awareness of global environmental issues, campaign for better environmental practices and take action against deforestation and climate change by planting trees. It implements tree planting projects and carbon offsetting with environmentally conscious businesses, provides environmental education to schools in developing countries, and funds community development
Community development
Community development is a broad term applied to the practices and academic disciplines of civic leaders, activists, involved citizens and professionals to improve various aspects of local communities....
projects in rural communities centered on tree planting and reforestation
Reforestation
Reforestation is the natural or intentional restocking of existing forests and woodlands that have been depleted, usually through deforestation....
.
Reforestation projects sponsored by PATT attempt to generate broad participation among the affected communities. For example, a 2008 reforestation project in Phetchaburi
Phetchaburi
Phetchaburi , also known as Phetburi, is a town in central Thailand, capital of the Phetchaburi Province. In Thai, Phetchaburi means city of diamonds . It is approximately 160km south of Bangkok, at the northern end of the Thai Peninsula...
, Thailand, brought together school children, monks, governmental officers, and local villagers with forestation staff in planting over 2500 trees. Native tree species were replanted in a forest degraded by selective logging in an effort to restore animal habitat. The restored lowland deciduous
Deciduous
Deciduous means "falling off at maturity" or "tending to fall off", and is typically used in reference to trees or shrubs that lose their leaves seasonally, and to the shedding of other plant structures such as petals after flowering or fruit when ripe...
tropical forest was to be used in the future as a tool for future environmental education.
Carbon Bank and Village Development Project
In 2009 the Carbon Bank and Village Development Project sponsored by PATT was awarded a 2009 United NationsUnited Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
SEED Award. The SEED Initiative, founded by the United Nations Environmental Programme and the United Nations Development Programme
United Nations Development Programme
The United Nations Development Programme is the United Nations' global development network. It advocates for change and connects countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP operates in 177 countries, working with nations on their own solutions to...
, identifies and supports promising locally-oriented enterprises in developing countries which are working to improve livelihoods and manage natural resources sustainably.
The group's Carbon Bank and Village Development Project targeted 48 rural villages in Thailand, helping to establish community forests and a micro-finance system in each, managed by the local communities themselves. Ultimately it is hoped that degraded land in these communities will be reforested and climate change lessened through the project, while at the same time village economies are enhanced.
Programs
The Plant A Tree Today Foundation operates a number of projects across the globe:Thailand
- Kaho Yai National Park - Forest restoration
- Phra PradaengAmphoe Phra Pradaeng-Geography:Neighboring districts are Thung Khru, Rat Burana, Yan Nawa, Khlong Toei, Phra Khanong and Bang Na , and the districts Mueang Samut Prakan and Phra Samut Chedi of Samut Prakan....
- Urban community forest restorationRestorationRestoration may refer to:-Historical examples :* Kemmu Restoration * Restoration * Portuguese Restoration War... - Bang PuAmphoe Mueang Samut PrakanMueang Samut Prakan is the capital district of Samut Prakan Province, central Thailand. The district has the highest population of all districts of Thailand.-Tourist attractions:...
- Mangrove restoration - Doi Mae SalongSantikhiriThe village of Santikhiri , formerly known as Mae Salong , is situated on the mountain of Doi Mae Salong, in Mae Fa luang district, Chiang Rai Province, the northernmost province of Thailand...
- Agro-forestry, habitat restoration, sustainable developmentSustainable developmentSustainable development is a pattern of resource use, that aims to meet human needs while preserving the environment so that these needs can be met not only in the present, but also for generations to come... - Ban Nong Muang - Carbon offsetCarbon offsetA carbon offset is a reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide or greenhouse gases made in order to compensate for or to offset an emission made elsewhere....
, reforestation, and sustainable development - BangkokBangkokBangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
- School Tree Nurseries - BangkokBangkokBangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
- EcoKids environmental education - PhetchaburiPhetchaburiPhetchaburi , also known as Phetburi, is a town in central Thailand, capital of the Phetchaburi Province. In Thai, Phetchaburi means city of diamonds . It is approximately 160km south of Bangkok, at the northern end of the Thai Peninsula...
- Wildlife habitat restoration - Doi Suthep-Pui National ParkDoi SuthepDoi Suthep , is a mountain located in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.-Description: Doi Suthep is one of the twin peaks of a granite mountain located west of Chiang Mai, the other peak is known as Doi Pui and is slightly taller .Doi Suthep is located 15 km away from Chiang Mai city centre.Most...
- Forest restoration and research - RatchaburiRatchaburiRatchaburi ) is a town in western Thailand, capital of the Ratchaburi Province. It covers the whole tambon Nai Mueang of Mueang Ratchaburi district. As of 2006 it has a population of 38,208.-External links:*...
- Community forestry - Khao Takiab - Mangrove forest restoration
- Ban Non Tong, - Carbon offset, reforestation, and sustainable development
- Chiang RaiChiang Rai-Demographics:Official Population count: According to the Thailand National Statistical Office, as of September 2010, Chiang Rai municipal district has a population of 199,699...
- JatrophaJatrophaJatropha is a genus of approximately 175 succulent plants, shrubs and trees , from the family Euphorbiaceae. The name is derived from the Greek words ἰατρός , meaning "physician," and τροφή , meaning "nutrition," hence the common name physic nut. Mature plants produce separate male and female...
BiodieselBiodieselBiodiesel refers to a vegetable oil- or animal fat-based diesel fuel consisting of long-chain alkyl esters. Biodiesel is typically made by chemically reacting lipids with an alcohol....
and Village Development
Indonesia
- Tabanan, BaliTabanan RegencyTabanan is a regency of Bali, Indonesia. It has an area of 839.33 km2 and population of 386,850 . Its regency seat is Tabanan.- Subdistricts :* Kediri* Marga* Baturiti* Kerambitan* Selemadeg* West Selemadeg...
- Habitat restoration - Pramuka Island, Jakarta BayJakarta BayJakarta Bay is a bay north of North Jakarta city. The Thousand Islands are located here. 13 rivers are flowing into the bay. The majority of the bay's coastal communities consist of people living below the poverty line, in condition of poor sanitation....
- Mangrove forest restoration - SidemanSidemanA sideman is a professional musician who is hired to perform or record with a group of which he or she is not a regular member. They often tour with solo acts as well as bands and jazz ensembles. Sidemen are generally required to be adaptable to many different styles of music, and so able to fit...
- Matthew Faid Forest, Trees for Life - LombokLombokLombok is an island in West Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia. It forms part of the chain of the Lesser Sunda Islands, with the Lombok Strait separating it from Bali to the west and the Alas Strait between it and Sumbawa to the east...
- Agro-forestry
India
- Chennai - Reforestation
- MumbaiMumbaiMumbai , formerly known as Bombay in English, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the most populous city in India, and the fourth most populous city in the world, with a total metropolitan area population of approximately 20.5 million...
- Corporate social responsibilityCorporate social responsibilityCorporate social responsibility is a form of corporate self-regulation integrated into a business model...
South Africa
- Table MountainTable MountainTable Mountain is a flat-topped mountain forming a prominent landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town in South Africa, and is featured in the flag of Cape Town and other local government insignia. It is a significant tourist attraction, with many visitors using the cableway or hiking to the top...
- Threatened speciesEndangered speciesAn endangered species is a population of organisms which is at risk of becoming extinct because it is either few in numbers, or threatened by changing environmental or predation parameters...
preservation
Malaysia
- North SelangorSelangorSelangor also known by its Arabic honorific, Darul Ehsan, or "Abode of Sincerity") is one of the 13 states of Malaysia. It is on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and is bordered by Perak to the north, Pahang to the east, Negeri Sembilan to the south and the Strait of Malacca to the west...
- PeatPeatPeat is an accumulation of partially decayed vegetation matter or histosol. Peat forms in wetland bogs, moors, muskegs, pocosins, mires, and peat swamp forests. Peat is harvested as an important source of fuel in certain parts of the world...
Swamp forest reserve restoration
The organisation states that it intends to plant 1 million trees in Thailand in 2011.
Timeline
- 2 November 2005 - The PATT Foundation officially formed
- 7 December 2006 - PATT becomes a Registered Charitable Foundation in the United KingdomUnited KingdomThe United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
- 2006 - Installation of Thailand School Tree Nurseries
- June 2007 - Carbon Free Development Village Development projects started in Thailand
- 9 April 2008 - Projects begin in Indonesia at Sideman Village, Bali, and planting begins for the Matthew Faid Memorial Forest
- 11 July 2008 - PATT becomes a Registered Foundation in Thailand
- October 2008 - Projects begin in India with a collaboration between PATT and the SAGE Foundation. First project on behalf of Standard Chartered BankStandard Chartered BankStandard Chartered PLC is a multinational financial services company headquartered in London, United Kingdom with operations in more than seventy countries...
conducted at INS Trata in Worli. - December 2008 - Thailand Eco Kids camps begin
- 22 April 2009 - Projects begin in South Africa in conjunction with World Environment Day.
- 12 May 2009 - United Nations SEED Award.
External links
- Plant A Tree Today Foundation official website, www.pattfoundation.org/