Rooted in Resilience: Tree Nursery Program
At Women Palm Tree Organization (WPTO), we believe nurturing trees is synonymous with nurturing communities. Our Tree Nursery Program unites local Malawian women and refugees from across the globe to cultivate hope, sustainability, and shared purpose one seedling at a time.
Our Goals
- Plant 50,000 trees across Dowa District by 2026.
- Train 300 women in agroforestry and nursery management.
- Establish 5 community-led nurseries co-managed by refugees and locals.
Our Mission
To empower women and girls as stewards of the environment by:
Growing Biodiversity: Planting native and fruit-bearing trees to restore ecosystems.
Building Climate Resilience: Combating deforestation and soil erosion in Dowa District.
Fostering Unity: Creating collaborative spaces where refugees and host communities heal and thrive together.
How the Program Works
- Seedling Cultivation
- Women and girls grow 10,000+ seedlings annually, including mango, moringa, and native avacado.
- Training in agroforestry, pest management, and sustainable irrigation.
Community Reforestation
- Distribute seedlings for replanting in degraded areas, schoolyards, and household farms.
- Refugees and locals co-lead tree-planting campaigns, fostering environmental ownership.
- Economic Empowerment
- Sell surplus seedlings to fund women-led microgrants.
- Workshops on eco-entrepreneurship (e.g., producing charcoal alternatives from invasive species).
- Education & Advocacy
- Teach children and families about climate change, tree benefits, and conservation.
- Refugee women share indigenous agroforestry practices from their home countries.
Why Trees?
Environmental Impact:
- 1 tree sequesters 48 lbs of COâ‚‚ annually and prevents 5 tons of soil erosion over its lifetime.
- Fruit trees provide nutrient-rich food for 500+ households.
Social Impact:
- 80% of participants report improved mental health through nature-based therapy.
- Cross-cultural collaboration reduces tensions between refugees and host communities.
Why This Program Matters
- Women-Led Conservation: 70% of participants are female, bridging gender gaps in environmental leadership.
- Refugee Integration: Shared labor fosters empathy, dissolving barriers between communities.
- Legacy of Sustainability: Trees planted today will shield future generations from climate shocks.
