In 2020, Go Forest planted its first trees in the Amazon. Not just any location, but a region that is crucial to the health of our planet. This project marked the beginning of something significant: a mission to create a positive impact on both the environment and local communities. But why did we start here?
The urgency of protecting the Amazon
The Amazon rainforest is often called the “lungs of the Earth”, and for good reason. This vast rainforest produces over 20% of the world’s oxygen and plays a key role in storing CO₂. It is home to millions of plant and animal species, many of which cannot be found anywhere else on the planet.
Yet, the Amazon is under severe pressure. Every year, millions of hectares of forest are lost to deforestation, mainly due to agriculture, logging, and infrastructure development. This destruction not only has catastrophic consequences for the climate and biodiversity but also threatens the livelihoods of indigenous communities who have lived in harmony with this forest for generations.
This is why Go Forest’s very first project started here—because the Amazon urgently needs protection, and together with our partners, we are making a difference.
Our unique approach: more than just planting trees
Reforestation is about more than just planting trees. It’s about restoring entire ecosystems and creating a lasting, positive impact for both nature and the people who depend on it. Together with our reforestation partner, Camino Verde, we take a community-driven approach by linking tree planting to the development of non-timber forest products. This means that the trees we plant not only help regulate the climate and restore biodiversity but also provide economic value for local communities.
For example:
- 🌱 Essential oils from native trees such as rosewood and moena.
- 🍯 Melipona stingless bee honey, valued for its medicinal properties.
- 🌿 Edible and medicinal plants that offer a sustainable alternative to deforestation for agriculture.
- 🌳 Agroforestry systems, where communities grow trees alongside crops, improving food security and generating additional income.
Through this regenerative approach, forests are not only restored, but communities also benefit economically without harming the ecosystem. This reduces pressure on the Amazon and ensures that local farmers and indigenous groups can sustain their livelihoods in a responsible and lasting way. Our projects prove that reforestation and economic progress can go hand in hand—and that is what makes this approach unique.
Who is Camino Verde?
Camino Verde, our trusted partner in Peru, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring forest landscapes in the Amazon by empowering local communities. Since its founding, Camino Verde has worked with indigenous and mestizo communities to establish sustainable reforestation projects. What makes Camino Verde unique is its focus on multi-layered reforestation. This means that they don’t just plant trees—they carefully consider which species will strengthen the ecosystem and benefit local people.
Beyond tree planting, Camino Verde also manages living seed banks, where rare and endangered tree species are cultivated and distributed. By combining traditional knowledge with modern techniques, they maximize the impact of their work.
Together with Go Forest, Camino Verde approaches reforestation in two ways:
- Reforestation from scratch – In some areas, forests have been completely cleared due to slash-and-burn agriculture. Here, we plant young seedlings to regenerate the landscape.
- Enrichment planting in secondary forests – Many forests still have trees but lack biodiversity. We add valuable tree species, such as rosewood, fruit trees, and medicinal plants, to accelerate ecosystem restoration.
A key advantage of enrichment planting is that existing tree canopies provide shade, significantly reducing maintenance efforts compared to planting in a completely barren area. This saves labor and supports natural, sustainable forest recovery.
Camino Verde x Go Forest: measurable impact
Our efforts are not just reflected in numbers but also in the lives we improve and the forests we restore. (Data from the 2024 Camino Verde Annual Report).
- ✅ 285,500 trees planted by Camino Verde.
- ✅ Over 400 tree species protected and reintroduced into the wild.
- ✅ 120 families involved in sustainable reforestation and forest-based enterprises.
- ✅ 8 indigenous and 2 mestizo communities actively engaged in our projects.
- ✅ 55 hectares reforested on community land and 32 hectares on Camino Verde sites.
- ✅ Training programs for local farmers on cultivating Melipona stingless bees for medicinal honey production.
How you can help
Our customers and partners make this impact possible. Do you want to contribute to the preservation of the Amazon? By collaborating with Go Forest, you’re not just planting trees—you’re safeguarding the future of communities and biodiversity.
Join us and make a difference!
