In this project in Okegem, we undertake an afforestation of a former agricultural plot of 3.22 hectares. We will plant at least 5000 trees during the season of 2024-2025. The tree species that will be used in the plantation include Sycamore maple, black alder, European hornbeam, Cornelian cherry, common dogwood, hazel, hawthorn, spindle, European beech, European ash, wild cherry, pedunculate oak, white willow, small-leaved lime, and large-leaved lime. This new forest will enhance the water cycle, soil protection, biodiversity protection and conservation, and carbon sequestration. In the case of afforestation of agricultural land, the reduction in inputs and the absence of heavy tillage can also be noted. In the coming years, the project can be extended.

In this project in Le Roeulx we plant 12,000 trees during the first months of 2024, with the majority of the trees planted in March 2024. On the 5.5-hectare plot, we mainly plant lines of chestnuts, oaks, maples, and walnuts. It is important to execute this project because the area is a very agricultural one with little afforestation. We are planting a diverse forest to preserve wildlife habitats and support the ecological and environmental benefits of the forest. Details: - Altitude of 118 meters. - The soil is loamy with favorable natural drainage or loamy with poor natural drainage. - The composition of the previous stand: ash trees. - The follow-ups of the trees are planned for April 2024 and summer 2025.

The Amblève project, located in the commune of Amblève (BE 4770) and in the Amblève bassin, involves a reforestation initiative in response to an ongoing bark beetle infestation affecting the region's spruce forests. Rather than clear-cutting the entire area, selective extraction of infested trees is being implemented. This method varies depending on the situation, with some areas undergoing large or small-scale clear-cutting while others focus on isolated spruce removal. Following last season's intervention with 10,500 trees, another 14,280 trees are planted during the season of 2024-2025, in a mix of 1.5m x 1.5m (islands) or 2m x 2.5m spacing (in larger areas). The replanting will prioritize beech trees (88%) due to their adaptability to low-light conditions, particularly in small clusters. Other species, including hornbeam, linden, and maple, will be introduced in varying proportions, depending on the specific site conditions. There is significant wildlife pressure, but not enough to threaten the plantations. The manager plans to protect the planting clusters with small localized fences. The restoration effort aims to restore forest cover, enhance species diversity, and strengthen the forest's resilience to climate change. The project can be expanded up to 100,000 trees. The area, known for its rich rural and agricultural landscape, attracts hikers, cyclists, and horse riders exploring the extensive forests around the Amblève River. Historically, the region's forests were damaged during World War II, particularly during the Ardennes Offensive, and were subsequently replanted with spruce, which has proven vulnerable to pests and storms. The project is integrated into a special zone (ZIP), is easy accessible, and offers opportunities for site visits. Plantation updates: - Planting period: The plantation took place between November 2024 and February 2025. - 14280 trees planted: 11480 beeches, 1200 hornbeams, 1200 maples and 400 lindens. - Monitoring summary: The planting was carried out over 15.64 hectares of former spruce forest. Despite regular snow and freezing conditions, the weather did not hinder the work. Trees were planted in clusters, either under existing spruce stands or following clear-cutting. The terrain was prepared beforehand, and protection measures were applied where needed. No major difficulties were encountered.

The restoration project in Amblève is continuing and can be expanded to a total of 100,000 trees. Following last season’s interventions with 10,500 trees in 2023–2024 and 14,280 trees in 2024-2025, the same approach is being applied to strengthen forest resilience and diversity this season. The Amblève forest consists mainly of conifers, in particular spruce. At present, about 75% of the forest stands are spruce. Localized thinning helps prevent attacks on spruces that are weakened by competition for light. The objective is to gradually reduce the share of spruce to 50%. To achieve this, clear-cutting is avoided. Management is carried out through thinning and progressive canopy reduction, which irregularizes the stands and initiates assisted natural regeneration. Spruce requires a lot of light to grow well in its adult stage, which means little light reaches the forest floor. Natural regeneration is therefore limited, making external planting of young trees necessary. In the cleared patches, beech is planted. This species is well adapted to shaded conditions and is introduced at high density, as it tolerates competition well in its early years. This approach also protects the young trees against late frost and drought. In larger clearings, other species are introduced according to the conditions of each parcel. The long-term goal is to establish irregular stands with varied age classes, increasing resilience to unexpected events. The project takes place in a rural and agricultural region known for its extensive forest massifs and numerous trails, where hikers, riders and cyclists come to experience the rich nature around the Amblève river.

On these farms, multiple small agroforestry plantations were executed in collaboration with the local farmers and as part of the large Akamasoa agroforestry project. During February 2025, 2703 trees were planted, including: - 25% cash crops, such as Pink Berries and Ravintsara - 72% forest trees, such as Acacia, Jacaranda, and Eucalyptus - 3% fruit trees, such as Rotra

In the course of 2026, these agroforestry trees will be planted in Akamasoa or Tamatave. Once the planting has taken place, this section will be updated with the correct geolocation. The trees introduced in this project are selected to generate benefits for the soil, biodiversity, and the local economy: - The chosen species act as natural soil conservation agents, helping prevent erosion and improving soil structure. - They support local biodiversity by offering habitat for wildlife and contributing to ecological balance. - Many of the planted species have commercial value, creating new economic opportunities for farmers and surrounding communities. This project combines cash crops, forest species, and fruit trees. The selection of tree species is guided by two key criteria: 1) Regional environment: Each intervention zone has its own characteristics. We choose species that can thrive in the local soil and climate while contributing to the restoration of the forest landscape. 2) Farmer needs: We work closely with partner farmers to identify species that support income-generating activities through the sale of their products.

On three sites (1.58 ha, 1.48 ha & 0.34 ha), in the Bombetoka Bay located in the North-West of Madagascar, more specifically in the village of Amparemahintsy (Belobaka municipality, Boeny), we're planting new mangrove trees to restore the mangrove forest. In April 2025, 22.104 mangrove trees of two species were planted here: Ceriops tagal and Rhizophora mucronata. The overall objective is to restore degraded lands and promote better management of the mangrove ecosystem to improve the living conditions of the local communities. Moreover, the mangroves provide spawning grounds for shrimps, crabs, and fish, which helps to boost the economy of the community.