We are a people...

who come from a variety of faiths, cultures, nationalities and political persuasions. Despite our diversity, we all share a love for the splendor of creation and care deeply for the well-being of humankind.

We have come to understand...

that environmental destruction, through radical deforestation, is a major cause of extreme poverty and oppression in impoverished nations. Deforestation is also considered one of the primary causes behind the climate change crisis.

We seek to bridge...

the relational and philosophical divides that often keep people from cooperating effectively. Therefore, we pursue solutions to the problems behind environmental destruction that are major contributing causes to extreme poverty and oppression in impoverished majority world nations.

How We Got Started

Eden President and Founder Steve Fitch grew up in the Philippines and loved to explore nature. In 1997, he returned to his boyhood home and was shocked by the destruction that had taken place. The jungles had been cut down, the topsoil was eroding into the ocean as a result of the deforestation, and the coral reefs were being smothered as a result of all the soil runoff. In 1998, Steve began working in Ethiopia and saw deforestation's tragic consequences on lands and lives in that African nation as well. Villagers shared how their crops were diminishing and their climate was changing. So, Steve began to consider what could be done. In the middle of all of these things, he was given an invitation by Halle Marian, President of the Southern People's Region of Ethiopia. Would you be willing to take over a defunct reforestation nursery? The answer was YES. Funds were raised and a staff came together. We have learned what works well and what doesn't. Since 2005, The Eden Projects has employed thousands of workers in Ethiopia, Madagascar, and Haiti who have planted MILLIONS of seedlings that are growing into healthy forests. We look forward to healing more LANDS and LIVES... and hope you will join us.

The Need

Putting It All In Perspective: In 2002, the WORLD BANK communicated the urgent need to replant 15 million hectares [just over 37 million acres] of deforested land, per year — for ten years. Each hectare of reforested land typically requires a minimum of 2,000 trees. This means the world needs to find a way to plant 30 BILLION trees each year, for the next ten years. Most reforestation organizations require $1 to $4 to plant each new tree. That's more than THIRTY BILLION DOLLARS per year for ten years. Who's going to pay for this? Very little has been volunteered to date...

At $1 to $4 per tree, the goal of significantly reforesting the planet is just too expensive. The world has to find a way to be more cost effective in its reforestation efforts, and we have found ways to consistently plant seedlings for 10¢ each. Here are the principles that we have found to be effective at dramatically reducing the cost of a seedling:

The Difference $10 Makes

The global deforestation problem is not a "casual emergency." There is an urgent need to plant BILLIONS of TREES – and finding the most cost-effective means to do it is a big deal to the people involved with Eden Reforestation Projects.

Impact of What We Do

Thousands of lives have already been transformed. People like Maman'i Sisy are now able to support their families and secure a bright and hopeful future.

Eden has already planted thousands of hectares that are growing into healthy forest systems. Wild animals are returning to the restored forests. The flooding and erosion below the new forests have largely stopped. The underground aquifers are filling up again because the forest sponges are back, and the forests are capturing massive amounts carbon. (It's true, even if you don't believe in climate change.)

Our People

US Based Staff:

• PresidentStephen Fitch
• Director of Business and MarketingChristopher Mannoia
• Office ManagerDebbie Crawford
• Director of Strategic DevelopmentRoger Hoesterey

International Staff:

• Ethiopian National Projects LeaderDawitt Kebede
• Madagascar International Projects LeaderJamie Shattenberg
• Madagascar National Project LeaderJose (Honest, he doesn't have a last name)
• Haitian International Project LeaderComing Soon
• Haitian National Project LeaderComing Soon

Board of Directors:

• PresidentMike Kilbane
  Director Strategic Planning, Western Union
• SecretaryAlex Shootman
  Chief Revenue Officer, Eloqua
• TreasurerEvan Collins
  President, Butterfield Memorial Foundation
• Board MembersHal Conklin, Executive Director Local Public Affairs, Southern California Edison
  Dennis Jeffery, Superintendent, The River Conference, Free Methodist Church
  Doedy Orchowski, Attorney