Berlin-based search engine Ecosia has already planted more than a hundred million trees around the world. These trees are found in Haiti, India, Kenya, and our Southeast Asian neighbor, Indonesia, to name a few. If you’ve been using Ecosia, you’d be glad to know that the fruits of your searches are now closer to home–they’ve officially started planting trees in the Philippines!
Photos: Facebook/ecosia, Instagram/ecosia
Ecosia has recently added the Philippines to their growing list of planting locations. Together with nonprofit organizations NTFP – EP Philippines and Samahang Madalagnon na Nagkakaisa (SAMANA), they have chosen the sites where they will be planting native trees. They will also be planting wild abaca (Musa textilis) in Panipiason, Madalag, Aklan.
Ecosia explained that wild abaca was chosen among the trees to be planted in Aklan because it’s an integral part of the indigenous community’s livelihood. “The Akeanon-Bukidnon indigenous peoples of Aklan have long relied on the harvest and trade of abaca fibers from the abaca plant as a major source of income,” they said.
Meanwhile, native trees were also chosen for their numerous benefits: “The planting of native trees in their landscape will not only diversify the landscape, but lead to healthier forests and sustained livelihoods for communities.”
Ecosia has also recently surpassed 123,123,123 on their tree counter. Hooray for more searches and more trees planted!
