«Run4Trees - together»

Schoolchildren run for
mangrove forests

Mangrove forests are valuable coastal ecosystems. They are important habitats and huge CO2 reservoirs, and they protect coasts from erosion. Unfortunately, more than half of the world's mangrove ecosystems are in danger. This information comes from the first global mangrove assessment for the Red List of Ecosystems of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

With two of our new projects - "Run4Trees - together" and "COBEC- a project for the restoration of mangrove forests in Kenya" – we can raise awareness regarding the significance of these forests and directly contribute to their restoration.

Run4Trees - together

The "Run4Trees - together" campaign aims - together with as many Swiss schools as possible - to raise awareness among children and young people about climate and biodiversity issues. The campaign seeks to inspire children to find practical solutions. A kick-off event will allow children to learn from their peers about the importance of trees and forests for climate and what actions everyone can take to help. Through a subsequent charity run, all participants can actively contribute toward the solution in a fun and sporty manner.

The goal:
For every schoolchild in Switzerland,
one tree will be planted.

Our first pilot for "Run4Trees - together" was launched in collaboration with Hergiswil School (LU). The campaign perfectly aligns with the school's annual motto: "Strong as a tree." During the kick-off event, 220 school children expressed on symbolic tree leaves and flyers the importance of trees for the climate and their reasons for participating in the run. They ran during PE lessons: For every five laps run, a tree will be sponsored to the school's chosen project: “COBEC for the restoration of mangrove forests”.

We invite you to take part and support the restoration of mangrove forests.

Every tree donated to the COBEC project in Switzerland between April and August 2024 will be credited to the Hergiswil (LU) school's Run4Trees project.

Donate trees for schoolchildren

COBEC - a project for the restoration of mangrove forests

COBEC, short for Community-Based Environmental Conservation, is an organization that implements restoration and conservation projects for mangrove forests along the East African coast at Mtwapa Creek in Kenya. They work in collaboration with local communities, aiming to foster an appreciation for nature and create sustainable job opportunities.

The organization's sites are located within protected areas managed by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the Wildlife Service (KWS). These areas face mounting pressure due to coastal urbanization, ongoing deforestation, and inadequate ecosystem management. COBEC's primary objective is to provide practical assistance to combat these challenges. Their main goal is to ensure the long-term preservation of natural resources through education, ecosystem restoration and protection, and promotion of sustainable resource use.

COBEC is registered with the Kenyan Ministry of Social Services. As a community, COBEC has already planted 1.5 million mangroves, and over 380,000 trees have been added with the help of Plant-for-the-Planet. More about COBEC at: https://cobec.or.ke/.

Support mangrove forests

COBEC's approach: Bringing the local population and organizations together through joint education and action projects is essential for the conservation of mangrove forests and the resulting climate protection. Because only those who know and appreciate the value and services of nature will take responsibility for their environment in the long term. In addition, much more can be achieved through collective action. This is precisely the approach that we aim to convey to children and young people with the “Run4Trees - together” campaign.

Thank you for your support.

A “Run4Trees - together”
at your school?

We are already looking forward to implementing a “Run4Trees - together” with other municipalities and schools. Our mediation and action program can be designed individually - in terms of content and time. Together with local authorities, schools, parents and, above all, interested schoolchildren, we plan and supervise the implementation of a “Run4Trees - together”.

Information about Run4Trees

Thank you for your support. Every tree and every deed strengthens us in our commitment to a climate-friendly future for generations to come.

Your Plant-for-the-Planet Team Switzerland
Marianne Jung und Sandra Dost

Plant-for-the-Planet Stiftung Schweiz
Centralstrasse 34, CH-6210 Sursee

info.switzerland@plant-for-the-planet.org
Luzerner Kantonalbank
IBAN: CH06 0077 8202 4545 1200 1
BIC/SWIFT: LUKBCH2260A