On these reforestation sites in Peru, we sometimes reforest from the ground up, as you might imagine: a bare, completely deforested parcel is planted with seedlings that then fill in the bare area on the map with the greenery of tree canopies. In our case, this style of planting is carried out on some of our managed parcels that are bare due to the activities of the past owners – mainly, slash-and-burn agriculture. Many of the areas where planting occurs, however, already possess some kind of tree cover at the time of planting. In other words, we're not starting with a bare patch on the map. In this case, we're mainly talking about enrichment planting in a secondary forest (a forest where only a few tree species grow as a survival technique). With enrichment planting, we are speeding up the introduction of species of trees that are useful for human needs, including endangered species. When trees are planted in a secondary forest, a broader range of biodiversity is introduced back into the landscape sooner. In practical terms, straight trails are created through the secondary forest and trees are planted all along those trails. Because of the shade provided by the pioneer trees' canopy, these enrichment strips only need to be weeded once or twice a year, savings in work compared to planting trees on a bare plot, where weed growth can require monthly maintenance clearing How do we work? Seeds are first collected in the nearby forests. When the seeds have grown into little plants, the plants are stored safely. Then, they go through a process of hardening, so that they have a higher survival rate. Finally, when the time is right during the rainy season, the seedlings are planted in nature.

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.

Location: Lasne Maransart (40 km from Brussels) Project: reforestation of 1.7 hectares with 4200 trees Timing: planting season winter 2023-2024, last additions in 2024 Reason for reforestation: Replanting is necessary as there are no natural seedlings (other than birch) on the plot. Diversification of species is necessary for resilience to climate change. Tree species: 80% Sessile oak, 10% Small-leaved lime, 10% Byzantium hazelnut Planting organization: In the center of the plot we plant mixed rows of 3 oaks and 1 lime tree, in a staggered pattern (2x2.5m). At the edge of the plot we plant 4 rows along the road to the North.

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.

Between January and February 2026, our technical partner in Peru organized a large-scale plant distribution in the Amazon. A total of 9,934 tree seedlings, sponsored by Go Forest clients, were delivered to 5 communities of the Ampiyacu River Basin. The agroforestry systems established with these communities are centered around rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora), an endangered species valued for its aroma, with essential oil widely used in the perfume industry. Rosewood serves as a key productive and income-generating species within the agroforestry parcels. It is complemented by 15 additional species, including a diverse mix of fruit, medicinal, and hardwood trees that together form resilient agroforestry systems. These include endangered ironwood (Dipteryx micrantha), andiroba (Carapa guianensis), mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), copaiba (Copaifera sp.), chacruna (Psychotria viridis), capirona (Calycophyllum spruceanum), avocado, and a variety of citrus species. The systems also incorporate previously established nitrogen-fixing guaba trees (Inga edulis), along with other native species. Our technical partner, together with a small group of volunteers, spent approximately 10 days traveling from one community to the next, distributing plants to all participating families. Community members carried out the planting in the following weeks. In March 2026, our technical partner returned to each community to monitor planting progress and provide additional guidance, training, and hands-on workshops, particularly for more delicate species such as rosewood. Follow-up visits are planned going forward to continue monitoring efforts alongside participating families.

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.

In the Bombetoka Bay located in the North-West of Madagascar, more specifically in the village of Nosy Kabija (Belobaka municipality, Boeny), we've planted new mangrove trees on two sites (0.29 ha & 0.45 ha) to restore the mangrove forest. In March 2026, 5055 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.