A certified climate project combined with additional commitment
Europe’s native forests are under increasing pressure. Insect infestations, fungal diseases, and a rise in extreme weather events – including heatwaves, prolonged droughts, and storms – are severely impacting forest health. According to the 2023 Forest Condition Report, only around 20% of trees in Germany are still considered healthy.
Strengthening the resilience and climate stability of our forests is therefore more important than ever. Reforestation with species that are better adapted to local conditions and a changing climate plays a key role in this effort.
This project actively contributes to long-term forest restoration. In close collaboration with forestry experts, we select suitable native tree species that are better equipped to withstand the effects of climate change. Planting is carried out together with experienced organisations and professionals – in some cases with the involvement of our customers as part of joint tree-planting events.
Through this approach, structurally weak or monoculture forest areas are gradually transformed into resilient mixed forests. Planting activities take place at several locations, including the Harz Mountains, Sauerland, and the Vogelsberg region.
This tree planting initiative is part of a combined project.
Companies investing in this project support both the planting of climate-resilient trees and a certified international climate project – delivering double the impact. For every tonne of CO₂ demonstrably reduced through the certified project, one tree is planted in Germany.
Currently, tree planting in Germany is combined with a certified solar energy project in Togo (climatepartner.com/1412). This renewable energy project generates approximately 88,000 MWh of electricity per year, supplying nearly 160,000 homes and small businesses in the West African country with renewable electricity.
Combined climate projects to date:
Improved cookstoves, countrywide, Ivory Coast (climatepartner.com/1331)
Forest protection, Chaco, Paraguay (climatepartner.com/1716)
Wind energy, Nouakchott, Mauritania (climatepartner.com/1185)
Afforestation, Bijie, China (climatepartner.com/1508)
How does tree planting contribute to climate action?
Forests play a key role in climate action. They absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere and store carbon in trees and soil – making them one of the planet’s most important natural carbon sinks. But their impact goes far beyond carbon storage.
Forests are home to a vast range of biodiversity. They filter rainwater, cool the air, and provide shade. At the same time, they help mitigate the effects of climate change by preventing soil erosion, stabilising slopes, and reducing the severity of extreme weather events such as floods and droughts.
However, the pressure on forests is increasing. Spruce trees, in particular, are highly vulnerable to extended dry periods – their shallow roots are unable to access deeper, moister soil layers. As a result, they become more susceptible to pests like the bark beetle, leading to widespread forest dieback.
To counter this, forests must be transformed into more resilient, site-appropriate mixed woodlands. We plant tree species that are better adapted to local conditions and the current and future climate. In doing so, we help establish robust forest ecosystems that can continue to provide essential ecological functions – for the climate, biodiversity, and people.
The project aims to contribute to these United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
What’s a combined project?
With combined projects, ClimatePartner brings together funding for international, certified climate projects with additional support for nature conservation projects.
Explore our projects
Biochar for Climate Action, Healthy Soils, and Better Harvests
A certified climate project combined with additional commitment
Expansion of renewable energy generation in Asia
Ceramic water filters save CO2 and improve health
Improved cookstoves worldwide – for better health and cleaner air
A certified climate project combined with additional commitment
Powering access to renewable energy in Africa
Restored ecosystems remove carbon
Turning degraded farmlands into healthy ecosystems
Improved cookstoves - better for health and the environment