When you plant trees, working with native species is best. Those species have spent millennia adapting to their surroundings and developing compatibility with the other living things around them. Planting an unfamiliar species can disrupt ecological balance and create a lot of unintended problems.
I appreciate how Engeda’s team in Ethiopia is able to generate such a strong local enthusiasm for native trees without being prescriptive and while respecting the autonomy of the local community members. Kindness is showing people that you trust their decision making.