This project is located in Durnal, Belgium (postal code 5530), and involves the replanting of a forest following a bark beetle infestation that severely affected the spruce trees. This reforestation effort aims to increase the resilience of the forest by diversifying tree species, enhancing ecosystem services such as climate change mitigation, biodiversity protection, and water cycle contribution. Specifically, the project will involve the planting of 2575 trees over an area of 1.6 hectares at an altitude of 260 meters on loamy, gravelly soils with natural drainage, favorable for forest growth. Species distribution will include Atlas cedars, Scots pines and alders, with a planting arrangement alternating two lines of cedars and two lines of Scots pines, while six lines of alders will be planted along the watercourse. We aim to maintain 10% birch regeneration in the final tree composition. The planting with plants provided by Pepinières Pirothon is executed during the 2024-2025 season and will also include protective measures against wildlife. Plantation updates: - Planting period: The trees were planted between December 2024 and January 2025 - 2575 trees planted: 1050 Atlas cedars (40.78%), 1050 Scots pines (40.78%) and 475 alders (18.44%) - Monitoring summary: The site covers part of a 3.5-hectare area previously cleared of spruce affected by bark beetles. Planting was done in mixed lines, with terrain prepared by mulching and protected using repellent. Weather conditions were humid. - Maintenance: Clearing is planned to support tree growth.

The Isle la Hesse project, located in Bastogne, Belgium, aims to establish a visually impactful arboreal border between agricultural fields and the national road. Covering 0.3 hectares at an altitude of 550 meters, the plantation will consist of 825 trees, including a mix of arboreal and shrub species such as hawthorns, black elders, European rowans, alder buckthorn, bird cherry, European larches, yews, Douglas firs, Nordmann firs and silver firs. The planting arrangement includes a single line of 250 shrubs followed by four lines of mixed conifers. The project contributes to biodiversity by creating an expanded forest edge that serves as a refuge for wildlife while enhancing the landscape’s natural aesthetics and tranquility. The reforestation effort is executed in the season of 2024-2025, with site preparation in October 2024. The planting process involves light soil preparation, with specific techniques including the use of low-pressure tires and game protection measures. Historically, the site holds significance, as the Château de Isle la Hesse served as a nighttime headquarters for General McAuliffe during the Battle of the Ardennes in World War II. Plantation updates: - Planting date: The trees were planted from March 7 to March 9, 2025. - 875 trees planted: The final plantation included a mix of native and coniferous species: 50 hawthorns, 50 black elders, 50 rowan trees, 50 alder buckthorns, 50 bird cherries, 50 European larches, 75 yews, 100 Douglas firs, 200 Nordmann firs, and 200 silver firs. This exceeds the initial plan of 825 trees, with increased numbers of Nordmann and silver firs. - Monitoring summary: The planting was carried out under good weather conditions, with no issues reported. Tree quality and size were appropriate, and all planned species were available. The site, located in Bastogne and covering 0.3 hectares, was prepared by line milling on February 19. Planting was done in mixed lines by professional planters. No difficulties were encountered during the operation. A field visit in June 2026 confirmed that the trees continue to grow well. - Maintenance: Clearing is planned to support the growth and health of the young trees.

Agroforestry — a farming system based on trees and their non-timber products — plays a key role in building a lasting relationship with local communities, whose involvement is essential to securing the future of the new forests. Close to the reforestation sites in Ingung Kapia, we have established an agroforestry coffee plantation where coffee plants are grown among the trees. We began developing this plot in 2023, marking an important step towards integrating sustainable agriculture with ecological restoration. Each hectare accommodates 625 shade-grown coffee plants, complemented by native reforestation species planted at 600 plants per hectare. This combined system mirrors the natural forest structure, protects the soil, and provides local communities with a diverse and sustainable source of income. Each hectare also creates employment opportunities for one local family, and in the long term, the harvested coffee can be sold at a fair price. The full plot spans 11 hectares, and our goal is to get it fully funded. By achieving this, we create a new sustainable economy in which people and nature can live in harmony, with greater self-reliance. The economic value of these non-timber products — in this case, coffee — is also a powerful incentive for farmers to move away from the most common agricultural practice across Congo: cutting and burning forests and vegetation to create open pastureland. While widespread, this slash-and-burn approach leads to severe soil erosion and the permanent loss of native vegetation. Agroforestry offers a viable and regenerative alternative.

In Ingung Kapia, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, we plant native tree species on degraded soils to restore biodiversity and create meaningful employment for local communities through manual planting work. Our reforestation program has taken on the challenge of restoring the natural environment and preventing further desertification of the region. Looking ahead, our long-term vision includes well-considered forest management, designed to relieve pressure on DR Congo's precious old-growth jungle. Our planting target is 1,000 trees per hectare at survival, achieved by initially planting 1,250 trees per hectare to account for natural loss. The species mix is intentionally diverse, combining native forest trees to support soil recovery and ecological resilience. The full list of species planted includes: Millettia laurentii (Wenge) Cassia siamea & Cassia floribunda Pentaclethra macrophylla (Owes) Piptodeniastrum africanum (Osing) Hevea brasiliensis Uapaca mole (Ontang) Canarium schweinfurtii (Mbidi) Prioria balsamifera (Mwana Mpembe) Ricinodendron heudelotii (Ongiel) Erythrophleum gabonensis (Onkok) Guibourtia demeusei (Ladzum) Paramacrolobium coelucum (Obwar Osur) Prioria oxyphylla (Tshitola) Pterocarpus soyauxii (Padouk) Ceiba pentandra (Obel) Milicia excelsa (Mulundu) Leplaea cedrata Pachira aquatica (Nguba Mindele) Staudtia kamerunensis Ongokea gore (Ndeke) Acacia auriculiformis Acacia mangium Maesopsis eminii Gilbertiodendron dewevrei (Labong) Dacryodes normandii Celtis tessmannii Pycnanthus angolensis Nauclea diderrichii Pericopsis elata (Afromosia) Millettia drastica Coffea arabica & Coffea robusta Autranella congolensis Entandrophragma gabonense (Tiama Blanc) Khaya grandifoliola Treculia africana Combretum welwitschii Afzelia bipindensis Millettia versicolor (Ablo) Olong Obol Mbem Dileka Nkokoking The full reforestation plot spans 38 hectares. We are working hard to secure the funding needed to complete this plot and continue our commitment to large-scale forest restoration across the region.