For 7 years, I have had the honor of representing TIST to our corporate buyers and donors. On paper, we’ve always known that TIST was the living definition of the phrase “high quality carbon project.” Not only is it one of the first and few afforestation projects, but it has community benefits such as a rotating leadership program which stresses service to one another over hierarchy. TIST also creates job opportunities for women and delivers revenue share which incentivizes more tree planting. And as if that wasn’t enough, it also has one of the most robust technical systems ever developed for accurately capturing data in the field and ensuring that a tonne removed is actually a tonne removed.
However, none of the stories, photos and news from the project that we had received over the years prepared me for the incredible opportunity to meet the farmers and see the transformative impact TIST has on each individual and local community. From the moment we arrived at the first farm, it was clear how vital the carbon project is to its people. 25 years of success has resulted in over 265,919 farmers in 4 countries who have raised over 27,957,722 trees (and counting).
There was one common and consistent theme with everyone who touches TIST; pride. In an area of the world where extreme poverty is the norm, these farmers feel honored to be participants and to teach each other how to develop stewardship for the land.
“This is my life and the legacy that I want to pass along to my grandchildren,” was both a direct quote and a constant sentiment. Each farmer works to care for the trees that they grow starting them from seedlings and committing to maintaining them for well over 30 years. Each owns their own land, has a plan for growth and had countless stories of how TIST has lifted them up and provided opportunities that they never would have otherwise had.
What an honor it was to participate in a celebration of human ingenuity and a culture dedicated to doing what is right.
Jodi Manning
CEO, Cool Effect
