The Nature Conservancy
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The Nature Conservancy, a Planet Green NGO partner, is working with in-country groups to restore and plant one billion trees on 2.5 million acres of the Atlantic Forest by 2015.
That is why it was cool to interview Jenn Diedzic from the Nature Conservancy about this upcoming event they will be having for the cause. I have been concerned about the Brazilian rainforest since my Masters Degree in Comparative International Development: Too much deforestation in such a short period of time. Now we can reverse that deforestation with this campaign.
Tell us what you do for the Nature Conservancy?
Jenn Diedzic: I have served on the Board of the Young Professionals Group since 2005. I am also chairwoman of the Conservation Committee.
Tell us about any cool upcoming events.
Jenn: On March 19th, we are having our annual benefit which will support The Nature Conservancy's efforts to Plant A Billion Trees in Brazil's Atlantic Forest. The event will be held at the Bowery Hotel in New York City, and in addition to featuring a Brazilian bar with specialty drinks like caipirinhas and açai and a DJ who will be dropping Brazilian beats, we have a great silent auction with items like a stay at a five-star resort in Mexico, a luxury box for a baseball game, yoga classes and retreats, lessons in kayaking and rock climbing, and lots of eco-friendly products.
How does the program help the Brazilian rainforest directly?
Jenn: All of the proceeds from the evening will be contributed directly to conservation activities that The Nature Conservancy and its partners are undertaking to restore the imperiled Atlantic Forest of Brazil. The Plant a Billion campaign seeks to bring the Atlantic Forest back from the brink by planting a billion trees over 2.5 million acres of land by 2015. One dollar plants one tree, so every dollar really does count. You can see more information about Plant A Billion. This restoration effort will remove 10 million tons of CO2 from the air annually, the same effect as taking 2 million cars off the road.
What effect will this have on our ecosystem since the Brazilian rainforest is well known for its biodiversity?
Jenn: The Atlantic Forest is considered to be one of the world's most endangered tropical forests. This area was once the size of the U.S. Eastern Seaboard—from Maine to South Carolina but today only 7% remains. Despite that, these last stands of forest harbor a range of biological diversity comparable to that of the Amazon, with 23 species of primates, 1,000 bird species and over 20,000 plant species, many of which are found nowhere else on earth. The Atlantic Forest also helps regulate the atmosphere and stabilize the global climate by storing CO2 and emitting large quantities of oxygen.
How much money is needed for the Brazilian rainforest preservation efforts?
Jenn: The Nature Conservancy's goal is to raise $22 million for work in the Atlantic Forest by 2010 which includes planting trees in deforested areas as well as better protecting areas that are still forested.
Is this event to begin an ongoing campaign to preserve the Brazilian rainforest?
Jenn: This event is an important opportunity to highlight these efforts, but is not the kick-off; the Plant a Billion campaign was launched in April 2008 and has currently planted more than 1.5 million trees.
The Nature Conservancy has actually been working in South America for approximately 30 years, places like the Amazon, the Caatinga, the Cerrado and the Pantanal, in addition to the Atlantic Forest.
What do you like about working for the N.C.?
Jenn: The strategic, science-based approach of The Nature Conservancy, what they term "Conservation by Design" is what drew me to the organization. The Nature Conservancy uses science to identify and prioritize its conservation initiatives, address the primary threats to important places and habitats, and measures results both to ensure the effective use of resources as well as to learn from its experiences. The Nature Conservancy works with partners, not alone, to address the complex challenges related to conservation. The Young Professionals Group is a dedicated group of successful New Yorkers who are concerned with the future of our planet and want to support the initiatives that The Nature Conservancy has identified.
What is your wish for this event for the Brazilian rainforest?
Jenn: My wish is that every person who attends our benefit learns how much of an impact the New York community can make on the Atlantic Forest, and the rest of the world, one tree at a time.
Planet Green is part of the Plant A Billion Trees campaign, but what else can readers of Planet Green do to help the Nature Conservancy's efforts to preserve the Brazilian Rainforest?
Jenn: If you don't yet have plans for March 19th, buy your ticket to the Young Professionals Group event at the Bowery Hotel! You may purchase your ticket by emailing ypgevents@tnc.org or by calling 212-381-2183. You may also visit the website for Plant A Billion to purchase your trees and watch the progress of our efforts. Encourage your friends and family to get involved and become aware of the conservation challenges and efforts in Brazil and the Atlantic Forest.
Thanks again Jenn.
I look forward to hearing how many trees continue to be planted!!
Read more about giving back:
Plant a Billion Trees Campaign
Focus on Focus Earth: Last of the Akuntsus
Help Save The Amazon's Indigenous People
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