campus – Trillion Trees Initiative

23. February 202113. March 2021

Greening Deserts species protection projects for critically endangered species and sustainable ecosystem restoration

This is an announcement of the new Greening Deserts project for critically endangered species: 1001+ Critically Endangered Tree Species Seed Storage and Tree Cultivation Project. The Trillion Trees Initiative can, in future, help to share trees and seeds worldwide, especially to regions where an increased biodiversity is needed or to rejuvenate populations where trees have become extinct or very rare.

Some of the other Greening Deserts projects can also help to establish populations of endangered tree species upon which many other species depend. These projects in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, environmental greening, reforestation and species protection can save millions of life forms worldwide. Healthy ecosystems like forests, of course, provide habitat for countless organisms and their protection or restoration can save many endangered insects, fungi and microbes as well as mammals, amphibians and birds. Therefore, Greening Deserts projects for species conservation and species protection will focus on biodiversity in forests, drylands, grasslands, and wetlands. In urban areas, we will support biodiversity in cities by research, followed by greening and species protection camps.

Mobil units and labs with drone support by the greening and species protection camps.

Greening Deserts’ Critically Endangered Species Research and Protection Program (CES-RPP) started this additional project for endangered tree species in order to focus on the most important issue of global biodiversity conservation by establishing more biodiversity habitats and near-natural forests worldwide. Doing so will also have positive repercussions on many other ecosystems, including stabilizing the atmosphere and weather systems. This will better balance the global climate, biosphere, and water cycles. Different soils, terrains and weather conditions are important factors for tree planting, especially in terms of annual rainfall, groundwater and soil water. The role that trees and soils play for the air and water quality, life forms and soil building should be clear to everyone – especially for those who are affected by global crises. People should think more about microorganisms, minerals, soil quality and important differences of living or dead soils – and the different waters in this relation. The main focus of the new species protection project is on critically endangered tree species which involves the building of special seed storage facilities and other innovative solutions. Greening Deserts sustainable projects aim to improve developments in various areas – such as solar cooling, distribution, logistics, preservation and storage. The sharing of experiences in these areas will be particularly important. Therefore, working with the Urban Greening Camp, we can preserve, store and share seeds professionally. We will offer much more products and services in future. Engaging primarily in the field of Indoor Gardening and Vertical Farming, we can cultivate many species of trees, especially for the European and Mediterranean area. We can share seeds and plants with botanical gardens and professional nurseries around the world. Many international institutions, organizations, universities, biodiversity and plant scientists, and forestry specialists have already been informed about many of the projects in 2020.

Species conservationists, tree experts, botanists, tree growers, tree specialists, and all friends of nature are invited to join. Anyone who can exchange useful information or share constructive feedback and resources would be greatly appreciated. Of course, all experts and scientists who can assist the project through specialist knowledge or on the ground support can also join. Together with the CES-RPP, we can set a goal to recultivate and replant forests with typical plants and native tree species. More biodiversity in wild grasslands, mixed forests and wetlands by integration of missing species should be the main goal of environmental, nature and species conservation organizations. It means also to establish more landscapes and regions which have critically endangered tree species and key plant species worldwide. If we focus on cultivating and exchanging seeds and seedlings worldwide, we can save many tree species from extinction. If all goes well, we can lift the critically endangered status of many trees by cultivating plants and sharing their seeds. Other important tasks for the project are to share natural alternatives to pesticides to farmers and to promote nature-based solutions and permaculture.

Botanical gardens, nurseries, tree experts, forestry companies and tree-related businesses should pay more attention to these factors. One major cause of biodiversity loss and mass mortality is deforestation and the monocultures which replace vibrant ecosystems. It is not only about the few established tree species in forestry but also many other important plants and keystone species. Through the endangered tree species that we want to cultivate and share worldwide, thousands of other species can be saved and protected. The trees and plants may even bring back species which are thought to be extinct. Biodiversity forests, meadows and fields are all key to counteracting global species extinction. Many of the critically endangered tree species play a particularly important role. On the project pages of Greening Deserts and affiliated projects, you can read more about the real problems and positive solutions in various world regions and this includes information regarding how to live efficiently and sustainably.

GIS, including satellite imagery of global vegetation, can help select the right trees for the right places. Historical archives and plant databases can be used to find suitable tree species for the regions with low biodiversity, like in Europe and North Africa, where few tree species currently live, maybe through having been lost, or even forgotten – especially in relation to the approximately 60,000 tree species currently surviving, of which about 10,000 are endangered and 1400 are critically endangered. This is why Greening Deserts has set the goal of saving the most endangered tree species. Of course, we will work together with interested species protection organizations, tree nurseries, botanical gardens and institutions to do so.

It is not only about biodiversity hotspots, creating new forests and adding a few more tree species, but also many other plants, animals and ecosystems that used to have a greater biodiversity. Therefore, increasing the biodiversity of cities and urban regions is more important than many people think. Ecosystem and landscape experts can find suitable places for greening and reforestation or even for entirely new forests, such as within man-made deserts or urban concrete jungles. Urban greening and urban forests will play an increasingly important role, especially in relation to the issues of biodiversity, global greening, health, and urban heat mitigation.

Urban Greening, Reforestation, Research and Species Protection Camps or Campuses are planned.

Some cities are now already up to four degrees hotter than in previous years; the 1.5ºC or 2ºC target has long been exceeded in some regions. Many people are already dying as a result of the droughts, heat waves, floods and wildfires of recent years. The less direct effects of the climate crisis, such as environmental or natural disasters and pandemics, are underestimated, especially regarding poverty. Experts estimate that over 100 million people will fall into poverty as a direct consequence of the climate crisis. We increasingly need holistic solutions to the climate crisis and global solidarity with these poor, sick and otherwise vulnerable people. Healthy ecosystems and a healthy environment are the basis for the health of all life forms. Adapting to climate change and strengthening cultures is important and, only working together with nature, can we overcome the crises. Nature-based solutions play an increasingly important role. One can see the Corona crisis as part of the climate crisis, especially since the virus originated in a damaged or polluted environment in China. The chance of zoonotic viruses being transmitted between animals and humans becomes higher in damaged ecosystems. Healthy ecosystems and life forms can better prevent and regulate diseases.

Climate protection and environmental protection is also species protection – and therefore also human protection.

Species recovery and conservation through species protection camps and special species protection programs like the Trillion Trees Initiative can reduce global species extinction with appropriate international support. The camps primarily serve to restore near-natural ecosystems. The global greening process can accelerate the peace-building process and reduce harmful climate change effects like global warming and air pollution. Environmental awareness, ethical and social principles, sustainable production and working, Human Rights and Indigenous Rights are all integral to future developments. For years, we have been informing organizations and institutions about Greening Deserts projects and their developments.

The global extinction of species, lack of biodiversity and species protection or limited species rescue in many areas all increasingly affect human health. The current crisis, heavy floods, storms and the recent drought years have clearly shown how quickly ecosystems can become unbalanced or even fully collapse. The important role of missing tree species, especially in tree-poor regions of Europe, including the Mediterranean, is greatly underestimated. Several hundred other species can depend on each individual tree, after all. Since many thousand tree species are critically endangered and only rarely present, hundreds of thousands of species which depend on these trees are missing. This exacerbates the great species extinction. Trees fulfill important functions within ecosystems and nutrient cycles. Climate and weather systems are also significantly influenced and stabilized by forests.

Unfortunately, one still hears many limited arguments within agriculture and forestry, where people are not looking at the problem holistically. Agroforestry, food forests, flowering trees and orchards with fruit available for animals and humans alike can be combined with more sustainable agriculture and ecological forestry! AI, aquaponics, cleantech, hydroponics, green tech, permaculture techniques and vertical farming, advanced scientific developments or achievements can help to improve all these sectors. Many of the conflicts and controversial discussions are unnecessary, especially those regarding land use. A lot of things are possible simultaneously if one is creative, willing to compromise and fully understand the issues. Often, there is simply a lack of awareness and willpower. If all nations plant a few billion trees during the coming years, we could easily reach the goal of a trillion more trees for planet Earth. If most of the humans currently alive plant a few hundred trees in their lifetime, humanity could plant another trillion trees within just one generation – a manageable goal if only all humans would act together. Meanwhile, we will push the trillion trees initiative forward with good actions, examples and projects. Many people and organizations have been informed about Greening Deserts sustainable developments, innovative ideas, and outstanding projects.

7. November 20207. November 2020

Trillion Trees Initiative’s global greening foundation and reforestation fund for biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration and healthy forests

The Trillion Trees Initiative for biodiversity conservation, climate adaption, ecological education, ecosystem restoration, environmental protection, sustainable greening, reforestation and species protection can reduce climate change effects, deforestation, droughts, desertification, land degradation, mass extinction, global warming and pollution worldwide. The world’s first and official Trillion Trees Initiative was started in 2017 by Greening Deserts founder Oliver Gediminas Caplikas. Others like the WEF and the White House followed the good example and started also trillion trees initiatives or programs. Many people, international organisations, institutions and even governments have been inspired by the Trillion Trees Initiative and connected projects.

Greening Deserts principles and the real Trillion Trees Initiative (TTI) agreeing with the sustainable goals and scientific parts of the Trillion Tree Campaign by Plant for the Planet, the One Trillion Trees Initiative by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, the Trillion Trees Partnership by TrillionTrees.org, Birdlife and WWF. TTI is not directly related to the mentioned organizations but supports some of the good goals and advises against bad goals or shows good alternatives. Greening Deserts and TTI supporting also other conservation organizations and tree planting actions by good examples and ideas. How everybody can see the others took many of the ideas in their programs or agendas. But there is also criticism of some points in the Trillion Trees Act and other campaigns or initiatives. On the official pages of TrillionTreesInitiative.org you can read about the backgrounds, facts and worldwide opinions of different media outlets, conservation organizations and institutions.

Greening and reforestation programs can be adapted for all climate and vegetation zones

Together with many innovative developments and sustainable projects the initiative want to plant over 100 Billion Trees and can support other big tree planting actions to reach the trillion trees goal fast and efficient. Project developments like Agrophotovoltaik, Desert Bamboo Africa, Greening Coasts, Greening Drones, Greenhouse Ship, Green Ring Africa, Great Green Wall North Africa, Seeding Balloon, Transparent Solar Greenhouses and many other awesome projects, organizations, institutions, partners and sponsors can support. Financial and institutional experts will help to implement good aspects of Climate Finance, Green Finance, Sustainable Investment and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Swiss finance experts and sustainable finance institutions were informed since 2018, many of them liked the idea of a Trillion Trees Foundation and Trillion Trees Fund. Some of them already working on a fund for the Trillion Trees Initiative. It will be a chance for the nations, innovative institutions and organisations to join the future actions and programs of the TTI in different parts of the world. The main focus for the next years is on Europe, Africa and MENA region. The One Trillion Trees Initiative of WEF, the One Trillion Trees Interagency Council and a special Executive Order of the White House in Washington D.C. have already positioned themselves for America and have shown their support by planting a part of the trillion trees in the USA. About more support and solidarity for the other Americas and especially tree planting actions in Africa we all would be happy.

During the next years we will all see if the United States of America or the president will keep their promises to plant a trillion trees until 2030 worldwide. The U.S. chapter of the One Trillion Trees Initiative announced to plant at least 855 million trees by 2030. Would be great if the most of the trees will be part of national parks or for biodiversity causes and not for monoculture tree plantations. Biodiversity conservation, climate adaption and establishing healthy forests with different trees species are some of the main tasks of Greening Deserts and the Trillion Trees Initiative. The focus is to establish more biodiversity in forests, agroforestry, ecological forestation (EcoForestry), mixed forests and supporting reforestation of damaged ecosystems – focus is also on wilderness, wildlife and ecosystem restoration as whole. Critically endangered and threatened tree species will be saved by breeding or cultivation in the Greening Camps and by all the coming tree planting actions. Of course native and typical trees of each region will be planted also in other right areas, habitats or climate zones the tree species belong typically. For this mammut task we will use the help and experiences of artificial intelligence (AI), plant databases, climate scientists, conservationists, indigenous people or natives, plant and tree experts or scientists like arborists and botanists. Maybe GIS experts, blockchain, cloud, supercomputing, supercomputer programs and scientific organizations or networks can support to find unknow endangered keystone species, the right tree species and places. There are some interesting programs we could imagine to integrate, like of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), WolframAlpha network, Planetary Computer by Microsoft and Wildlife Insights by Google. Landscape architects, land administrations, private landowners, satellite operators and services can also help to match the right plants and regions for the new trees and forests in future. For the TTI it is also important to integrate each concerned region into the greening process and reforestation actions. For example school classes and students of universities can use the greening camps, planting actions and workshops for environmental education, to establish better connections to nature and to get more environmental awareness. By the way, it is also great for fitness, healthy movement and health in general. Army troops and soldiers can also plant trees as a kind of training and to do something real good for the environment and humanity. The idea to include parts of the army, to fight climate change and global warming by planting trees, was published with Greening Deserts projects Greening Army and Forest Army in 2017 and 2018.

Key factors: Biodiversity forests, grasslands and landscapes, climate adaption and protection, environmental education and species protection, sustainable greening and real ecological forestry

People must understand that it is not just about to plant a few tree species. Each tree has typical plants, animals, mushrooms, insects and microorganisms to grow really healthy and to provide a kind of own cosmos or biotope. To know and to establish the most of these connections, relations and key factors is the key for real healthy and natural forests. Just compare the biodiversity, ecosystem services, productivity and soils of a rainforest and a monoculture tree plantation. Because all of these points Greening Deserts and the Trillion Trees Initiative started the Critically Endangered Species Research and Protection Program (CES-RPP), especially to show the importance of keystone species and the biodiveristy in agriculture, forestry and urban greening. Of course the waters and life forms of lakes, rivers, seas and oceans are also important in this aspect. Just to mention important issues like the biodiversity in coastal areas, coral reefs and sea grass. Later if all runs good with the research, reforestation and Greening Camps we can also support with innovative developments and projects like Greening Coasts, Greenhouse Ship and Recycling Ship.

But back to the main issues and topics of this article, the biodiversity, nature conservation, climate improvement, environmental protection and species conservation by establishing real healthy forests, grasslands and other ecosystems who need more or less trees. The official Trillion Trees Initiative (TTI) is really unique in this relation, because the members of the connected projects can cultivate, sow and plant many trees directly with the help of forestation and greening camps, balloons, greening buses or trucks, drones and planes – if seeds need to be covered by soil we will use seed balls. With connected tree experts, databases and networks we will choose the right trees for the right areas or regions where we and our partners will start with bigger tree planting actions.

A statement, important facts and opinions: The TTI do not just support other tree planting organisations. Other trillion trees initiatives write that they planted that trees or want to plant a trillion trees. In fact many of them have not planted any trees themselfs and they wont if you take a closer look. In some cases their partners or supporters are big polluters or questionable industries who try to do greenwashing or treewashing. They let others do that work, mostly by cheap workers and volunteers. In general it is ok if others will be supported to plant new trees, but pay them good money if they do important work for biodiversity and environmental protection ! To plant countless monocultures or monotonous tree plantations has nothing to do with ecological forestry, ethical business or fair trade. They do or will do more damages as improvements, especially if too much trees will be planted in ancient grasslands, savannas or wetlands. The main goal should be to stop deforestation, to improve ecosystem restoration and supporting the regeneration of existing natural forests which were affected by fires or pollution. To all that companies and groups out there ! Join our real climate, environmental and species protection initiative if you really want to improve the worldwide climate and environments. Many institutions, organisations and people were informed during the years, especially about the backgrounds and true history of the real Trillion Trees Initiative.

Stop biodiversity loss, deforestation and land degradation.

More than 10,000 of approx 60,000 tree species worldwide are threatened with extinction. On the IUCN Red List over 1,400 tree species are listed as Critically Endangered (CR), in reality it are probably much more. Biodiversity, conservation and reforestation programs should care more about these critically endangered and keystone species. The Trillion Trees Initiative and Greening Camps in concerned regions could recultivate the critically endangered trees species. Each camp will have extra greenhouses and storage rooms for the seeds. Botanical gardens and other biodiversity projects can be connected. During the last years over 20.000 institutions, organisations and personalities were invited to join the official Trillion Trees Initiative and the special species protection program. Many academics, ambassadors, environmentalists, developers, entrepreneurs, ministers, researchers or scientists and students showed interest. Most of them liked the ideas and developments of Greening Deserts and the Trillion Trees Initiative. Even some people of the EU Commission, UN and WHO became inspired by the initiative. It is sad that some conservation and environmental organistations ignored Greening Deserts and the Trillion Trees Initiative, even after several friendly contact requests. We all should act and work together, but the society and world shows that it is not so easy, especially in these times of the crises, egoism, fears, ignorance and misunderstanding.

We want to be honest and work transparent. The future staff of the initiative will plant a lof of trees and can connect many awesome tree planting projects from around the world. So far as possible only native species will be planted, biodiversity experts and indigenous people will be included. We respect indigenous people who protect approx 80% of the world’s remaining forest biodiversity, including cultural, spiritual, social and environmental values. If Greening Deserts projects and the official Trillion Trees Initiative get enough financial support and can generate good income by the greening and research camps, developments and products, we can share much better our experiences with learning materials, various media, online or offline courses, workshops, etc.. The camps and projects can provide much work, generate a lot of jobs and income for each region. With appropriate funding and constructive support we can accelerate or improve the project developments and team building for each camp, as well as the whole infrastructure. Without money it is not possible to build up any of these camps and with too less support it needs many years more as planned, in this case other tree cultivation and tree planting projects cannot really be supported. We have not that time to wait longer and longer for all that promised support by officials or politicans. The projects need this year finally real active and financial support or it maybe will be too late. If you know the real backgrounds because of the keystone species, accelerating mass extinction and tipping points,.. you understand why we must act now or fast as possible. We must put these important points of species protection on the first place of all ‘green agendas’, whether it is the Green Deal, Greening Act, Trillion Trees Act or UN Convention on Biological Diversity.

Just imagine all that actions, the attention and financial support in the Corona Crisis would be used to reduce the Climate Crisis. We really would change the world into a better one, prevent new crises, disasters and even new pandemics who are caused by environmental pollution, species extinction and weak environments. Climate adaption, global warming mitigration, ecological education, environmental resilience and species protection is now more important as ever before. Climate protection, nature conservation and environmental protection is also species protection – so it is human protection. – Oliver Gediminas Caplikas

12. August 202012. August 2020

Climate protection, environmental protection, nature conservation and species protection in the climate crisis

Climate protection, nature conservation and environmental protection is also species protection. These topics are important not only for the International Climate Week, the international world days such as the Arbor Day, World Tree Day or World Forest Day. In these times the humanity have to deal with important climate problems in relation to the economy, ecology, environmental protection, nature conservation and sustainability almost every day, every week, month and year. Like the corona crisis, the climate crisis knows no borders, it concerns us all. Global environmental awareness, sustainable living, more sustainable work and production can improve the climate and reduce human-made climate change effects, such as man-made deforestation, desertification and global warming. We can cool planet earth with more green landscapes, urban greening and diverse forests worldwide – grasslands and wetlands play a special role in this.

Show that you can live and work really sustainable by saving energy, water and other natural resources. Reduce waste and pollution, especially plastic waste. Use alternative packaging and ecological products like bamboo or hemp products like Hemp Papers or Rice Straw Papers. Reduce deforestation, desertification and land degradation by using alternative heating and ecological building materials instead of wood. Do more for green places in your city, try to establish more community gardens, city parks, city forests, urban farming areas, fascade and rooftop gardens. The future of sustainable agriculture is ecofarming, hydroponics, permaculture, organic and vertical farming – also in urban areas. With urban greening on a large scale urban areas can help to cool down planet earth. Cleantech, Greentech, Green Building, Sustainable Living, Sustainable Working and Sustainable Architecture is the future of Sustainable Building, Sustainable Production and Sustainable Cities. With large-scale Urban Greening, urban areas can help cool down planet earth. We all can learn a lot of desert cultures and desert cities, bedouins and indigenous people in arid landscapes or drylands. Many towns and regions around the mediterranean sea showing also good examples, so like light colors for their houses and roofs – but still missing more green roofs and rooftop solar on the buildings. Fascade greening and fascade solar could be a good addition to urban development in future.

House boats or ships, mobile housing and underwater buildings can expand architecture and environmental friendly habitats. Bamboo, hemp wood, rice straw building materials and fuels could reduce deforestation significantly. It would accelerate the process towards more climate neutral houses and urban areas, too. And again, the future of real sustainable cities, energy and traffic transition is AI and Cleantech, Energy Efficiency and Green Building, Greentech and Sustainable Architecture, Sustainable Living and Urban Greening, Sustainable Production and Sustainable Consumption, Sustainable Transport and Sustainable Working, Transparent Solar concepts and designs. Sustainable Agriculture, ecological forestry and organic farming in relation to community gardening, hydroponics, worldwide greening and permaculture projects can support the change or transition. Not to forget Sustainable Aviation, Sustainable Shipping and Sustainable Tourism. Think about new markets like a Plastic Fishing Market and Recycling Ship for example.

A good formula for real sustainable living and sustainable working is: Repair, Reuse, Recycle, Replace and Upcycle. – especially plastic. #RRRRU

Greening Deserts Sustainable projects and initiatives such as Greening Camps and the Trillion Trees Initiative focuses on the climate protection, education, research, the environment and species protection. We not only want to reforest or regreen the man-made deserts, arid areas and wasteland in Europe and Africa, but also create international platforms for sustainable economy, education, culture and science. The greening camps will also be climate camps and research camps for innovative cleantech and greentech developments. The camps will involve every region and culture in the greening and development process. The camps will also be a platform for the respective regions, with training and education in the foreground. There will be additional spaces or rooms for a library, lounge, workshop and a media room. This can enable many community activities and different types of events to be carried out, also online and virtually. International institutions, organizations, partners, projects, investors and sponsors are cordially invited to join our community network and projects!

There was a wide range of information about these topics, innovative developments and real sustainable solutions to solve climate crisis, food, energy and water problems with global impact. Most of the solutions were confirmed by science and feasibility studies or similar concepts. International institutions and organisations were informed many times about Greening Deserts concepts, project developments and connected projects. @Agrophotovoltaik, Desert Bamboo Africa, Greening Coasts, Greening Drones, Greenhouse Ship, Green Ring Africa, Great Green Wall North Africa, Seeding Balloon,Transparent Solar,…

We not only need more actions, initiatives and innovations in the field of climate protection, nature and environmental protection. We need more action and effective solutions in relation to sustainable living and sustainable working in all areas, from big to small! Because the main problem and the main cause of the pollution are not only the car, coal and heavy industry, as well as agriculture, but it is every single one who causes and pushs the global warming and other negative climate changes by its consumption. This over-consumption and overproduction especially in areas of unhealthy monoculture food, IT technology, X-cars, smartphones and other pointless products are not just excessive waste but a meaningless destruction of resources and lives. Why should every year billions of animals and other life forms (animals and plants) die for humans if they can not even consume so many products. In some countries more than the half is thrown away, much products outdate or spoil because it is not effectively distributed or shared. Hundreds of millions of children go hungry every day and at the same time so many destroy and waste foods. In terms of food for example, one should improve preservation, logistics and distribution systems, use sustainable transport, drying and refrigeration systems more effectively worldwide instead of continuing to produce more – clearly, the solution is generally fairer distribution or sharing. If you extrapolate everything, the world produces food for well over 10 billion people, countless mobile phones and notebooks for every single person. Why does humans need so many products that he can not consume anyway … all this becomes garbage, not just metals, plastic and toxins get into the environment and sometimes even into the food. Recycling also costs a lot of energy and resources. All of this has to change radically through more sustainable, cleaner and more sensible procurement, energy use, supply chains and production – we need intelligent On-Demand systems everywhere, so that products worldwide just will be produced on real demand, of course in some cases real important products must be stored or produced for stock – basic food or products like rice for example. There should be reserves and storage for emergency cases, fast rising demands or other certain cases. But we and the world really don’t need hundreds of same products like X-Smartphones or other junk or scrap. Producers and productions worldwide need to improve this in all these areas, establish finally Cleantech, Greentech, Sustainability, AI and On-Demand Systems. The large companies as well as corporations should simply produce less and only on real demands by their real consumers. At least the products which are constantly not consumed or thrown away, e.g. many meats such as chicken, pork and beef should not be overproduced – the latter not only produce manure and methane which produce particulate matter, but they or the production wastes water and pollutes the groundwater and the environment on the long term.

A few more important points on the subject. We finally need a rethink in forestry and agriculture in terms of a more sustainable economy with EcoFarming, EcoForestry, Mixed Culture and Permaculture. According to the latest findings and long-term studies, agriculture is responsible for most of the air pollution (approx. 40%) and the resulting water pollution! Years of deforestation and drying out whole landscapes, the massive loss of wetlands, bogs or marshlands which can convert a lot of toxins and store up to 50 times as much CO2 as rainforests. The liquid manure and methane are really a massive problem because the gases in the atmosphere create new fine dust and the groundwater will be contaminated for years. In the coming Greening Camps, not only these areas should be researched but also research fields in the field of green and clean technologies. The focus is on aquaponics, hydroponics, greenhouse, biowaste and water management, as well as new urban farming innovations.

Droughts in Germany and Europe – drought threatens soils, agriculture and forests

It has been relatively dry in Germany since 2015, and the drought and heat waves in 2018 have seriously affected the environment. The soils of the forest are partly drier than the soils of grassland or greenland. The soil has dried out, even down to the deep layers. The groundwater very often sinks below critical levels, which has significant effects on forests and bodies of water such as rivers and lakes. The water reserves are becoming increasingly scarce. Conflicts of use because of water resources and water scarcity can be exacerbated considerably. Water use and water management must become more economical and more sustainable so that there won’t come a real water crisis in the next years. Using ponds, water towers and underground water reservoirs to collect rainwater makes more and more sense. This can be done with foils, trenches, solar pumps and agrophotovoltaic surfaces. Intelligent drip irrigation also saves a lot of water, because in dry times an incredible amount of water is wasted through irrigation or evaporation.

The fear of the consequences of another year of drought after 2019 is great, especially when drinking water becomes scarce and entire rivers or lakes dry out. After the exceptionally dry April and July, the probability of another year of drought becomes greater, but this cannot be said exactly until the end of 2020. The drought summer and the persistent drought threaten biodiversity, botanical gardens and well-known parks, even if many plants are watered, the aridity of the surrounding area has an indirect effect on all plant growth. An unhealthy environment in the neighborhood also affects healthy areas in the region, only if the spread of healthy nature is promoted by favorable conditions, nature as a whole can recover and regenerate, but this is difficult with monocultures, polluting agriculture and monotonous forestry. It is possible to change into a more sustainable agriculture and ecological forestry, still this year. Since environmental and weather systems sometimes react very slowly, some consequences can only be felt years later, similar to the nitrate or slurry problem, where in some extreme cases the groundwater is still polluted years later. Many of the slow and creeping processes will have really serious consequences for agriculture to come. We will all have to live with the short-term and long-term effects of the climate crisis. Like nature, we can adapt to a certain extent, but the active reduction of the problems and the causes are of course much more important. The air quality is particularly important, because this also affects the bodies of water and the groundwater. According to the latest scientific research, air pollution from agriculture is even higher than pollution from traffic and the coal industry combined. This is not only due to the fine dust from dry fields, slurry spreading, keeping four, etc. – a big problem is the ammonia which creates new fine dust in higher atmospheric layers. In the end, everything ends up in the waters. It affects the water cycle and water quality.

Soil quality and healthier soils through more complex or versatile forestry and more ecological agriculture, as well as better water management, are important to mitigate the consequences of climate change. The use of humus generating plants, deep roots, soil improvement and green manure plants can significantly contribute to soil formation and improvement of the overall soil. Some plants even have the potential to save the climate. Industrial hemp, for example, and hemp plants promote biodiversity and improve the moisture content. The leaves and plant roots can also form humus. The pronounced roots loosen the soil. The hemp fibers of the stems can be used for hemp paper, hemp cardboard and other packaging. Undemanding types of hemp are suitable for this, which can cope well with drought and do not have to be fertilized. Protective layers with ground cover and wildflower meadows can protect the soil in particularly hot and dry times. The principle applies, just let it grow and support nature in the development of biodiversity with natural seeds. Naturally with suitable species depending on the region and vegetation zone, i.e. suitable plants for mountainous areas, wetlands, grasslands, meadows and forests. To do this, one should think more about aquatic plants which can be used to improve water bodies. A large part of the rivers and lakes in Germany are in a precarious state, at least when it comes to the ecological aspect, neighboring agriculture, shipping and loss of biodiversity. This is also a problem of other European states. The economy and politics really need to care about the ongoing desertification and rising droughts in Europe. The deserts and drylands of Africa moving towards South Europe! The southern regions need fast climate adaption models and resilience plans to prevent worst case scenarious. Droughts, floods and rising fires are just the tip of the iceberg.

We all have to help make whole landscapes more diverse and more resistant to climate extremes, including urban regions and cities – for this purpose, among other things, the Urban Greening Camp project started. Solidarity agriculture and community gardens are also a good solution which can also bring more biodiversity and community profits. Show courage, solidarity and support for a healthy nature and a more sustainable life on planet earth. Show that you can really live and work sustainably by using energy or electricity, water and natural resources sparingly. Avoid overconsumption and pollution, especially plastic and air pollution from cars, planes and ships. Avoid environmental pollution of any kind, especially through the use of fossil fuels and polluting fuels such as coal. Reduce plastic waste and uses alternative materials such as bamboo, hemp and rice straw paper. Be a truly human person, work for a better and fairer climate.

Clean air, fresh water and a healthy environment are human rights. Climate protection, nature protection and environmental protection are also plant protection, animal protection and human protection or species protection in general! We should all be more aware about climate justice and environmental justice, in future a huge part of humanity will be affected by the climate crisis, extreme weather and rising sea levels.

Short summary:

Greening Deserts sustainable projects and initiatives such as Greening Camps and the Trillion Trees Initiative have been working on sustainable projects for society, a healthier nature and a more diverse environment for years. The projects mainly serve the protection of species and environmental protection. We don’t just want to reforest or regreen man-made deserts, arid regions and wastelands in Europe and Africa, but also create international platforms for more sustainable research, economy, education, culture and science. The greening camps will also be climate and research camps for innovative cleantech and green tech developments. The camps can include almost any region and culture in the greening and development process. Larger camps will have an energy storage park and maybe even a cleantech and greentech campus or science park.

27. October 2019

Cleantech Greentech Research and Greening Camps

Cleantech Greentech Research and Greening Camps to reduce Global Warming and Mass Extinction

Greening Deserts sustainable projects like the Greening Camps want to establish innovative developments like Agrophotovoltaik and Energy Storage Parks, Greening Drones and Seeding Balloons, Transparent Solar and Vertical Greenhouses. With the first Greening Camp and adequate fundings all the sustainable developments could finally be accelerated and developed worldwide. The projects were founded and initiated by the Greening Deserts founder. He informed institutions, organisations and even invited governments to join these projects and initiatives, as well as to the Greenhouse Ship, Plastic Fishing and Trillion Trees Initiative. If for example each nation plants approx 2 billion trees, we the humanity could reach the goal to plant one trillion trees very fast and we could really cool down the planet on a large scale. It would also protect and save countless species which are endangered by extinction. There are many campaigns and initiatives in this relation and we all are connected to reach the global goals faster.

The Greening Camp keyplants like bamboo, beans, hemp and sunflowers will improve the soils, underground water and waters. Drylands and wastelands can be turned into fertile lands easily. Hemp improves the soils in just a few years, after this other soil improving plants, environmental friendly crops and trees can be planted. Hemp will be just a side product of the forestation or greening processes, it can be delivered to hemp product producers like the hemp paper branch and hemp wood industry. The Greening Camps will produce millions of tons of hemp. All would win at the end, the poor people or regions, the degraded lands or soils, the forestry, paper and wood industry – even big wood paper consumers like the book, newspaper and packaging industry. Hemp papers and hemp carton packages will save a lot of trees and will reduce deforestation significantly. Forestation.net

Since the last two years the founder informed hundreds of publishers, media companies and paper producers about these facts. Greening Deserts Camp projects and products like Hemp Papers have really big potential to reduce deforestation, land degradation, pollution and wasting resources worldwide. Each camp will have a recycling center and workshop, especially for creative plastic waste recycling and upcycling. Biowaste Management, Greenhouse Management and Water Management will improve soils, air and water quality in all camp areas. Millions of new jobs and whole new markets will be created!

Other main goals in this relation are to bring back biodiversity, typical and rare plants of all concerned region. Seed banks or stores and special greenhouses, botanical gardens or similar habitats for the most endangered species will be established at each camp. Climate protection, conservation, environmental protection and species protection are also main tasks of the camps. Of course, we can not do everything. We will exchange and share a lot with other similar institutions, organisation and projects – like with national parks, game reserves or wildlife preserves.

The Greening Camps will establish green spots, healthy environments and platforms for all regions really need better soils, clean air and fresh water. The camps will be platforms for cleantech, climate protection, conservation, culture, education, environmental protection, greentech and science. All camps will have a library, lounge and media room. Bigger camps will get an Energy Storage Park and even could be expanded to a kind of campus or science park. We exchanged with a lot of institutions about it and many liked the projects. With active, constructive and financial support by the official institutions the camps can be build very fast. We have not much time to reduce desertification, global warming, human-made climate change effects and extreme weather before the biosphere will collapse – responsible bodies and institutions need to act immediately. Many camps could be build in 2020, the case the projects will finally be supported by the African Union, EU and UN. Even refugee camps could have a greening camp area. The founder combined and researched since years much more innovative developments, technics, techniques and products. You can check them on the official project pages.

The planet earth can be cooled with more diverse forests, green and natural landscapes worldwide – especially urban regions which heat up very much each year. Bamboo, hemp wood, rice straw and other sustainable innovative building materials and fuels could significantly reduce deforestation and man-made climate change. The future of truly sustainable cities, the energy transition and transport sector are: AI and Cleantech, Energy Efficiency and Green Building, Greentech and Sustainable Architecture, Sustainable Living and greening of cities, Sustainable Production and Sustainable Consumption, Sustainable Transport and Sustainable Working, Sustainable Agriculture, Ecological Forestry and Organic Farming in relation to Community Gardens, Hydroponics, Permaculture, Urban Agriculture, Vertical Farming can significantly support change or reversals. Not forget to mention Sustainable Aviation, Sustainable Shipping and Sustainable Tourism. All of these areas or topics will also play an important role at Urban Greening Camps. First camps in this relation are planned for European cities or urban areas and for open pit terrains or surface mining landscapes.

Short Summary:

Greening Deserts projects are cultural, educational, economic, social, scientific and sustainable projects in the field of horticulture, hydroculture, sustainable agriculture and ecological forestry – but also in the fields of clean technology (CleanTech), green technologies (GreenTech) and renewable energy such as solar, water and wind energy. Electricity access, availability and reliability together with energy efficiency will be optimized at the greening and research camps. The focus is on education, sustainable developments and scientific research. Conservation and environmental protection plays a very important role, too. Main goals of the projects are to reduce deforestation, desertification, pollution and global warming on a large scale. Goals are also to improve the energy and food security, to offer innovative management, ecosystem and greening services. The projects will reform the agriculture and forestry with ecofarming, ecoforestry and permaculture methods, technics and techniques. The projects can include each region and nation in the process, especially in relation to cleantech, greentech, environmental protection, a real sustainable infrastructure and sustainable investments – Green Finance and Sustainable Finance. To manage and to share better necessary finances a special Greening Fund will be established together with international financial institutions.

It is a real chance for the world, especially for Africa and Europe to reach faster the Climate Goals and more Sustainable Development Goals together with Greening Deserts international and innovative developments. The future vision is to establish a Greening Campus on all continents and several camps for all regions who need ecological, environmental and sustainable development services. Each constructive feedback and real active support is always welcome!

You can read more about all the developments on the official project pages like Agrophotovoltaik, Energy Storage Park, Greening Coasts, Greening Camp, Greening Drone, Greenhouse Ship, Green Ring Africa, Great Green Wall North Africa, Hemp Books, Hemp Papers, Seeding Balloon, Transparent Solar,.. and on the newest projects like Plastic Fishery and Recycling Ship. Each project will get an own page or section in future.

Climate protection, nature conservation and environmental protection is also species protection. We need more environmental awareness and sustainability, sustainable living and sustainable working, in all fields or areas. We need to create a world of understanding, acceptance, respect, tolerance, compassion and consciousness.

Keynote and Update X:

The maybe most important issue, topic or point is the problem with the daily extinction of the real endangered species and wrong focus or awareness in relation to endangered species in general and most endangered species who really need to be saved – and to reduce or prevent the ongoing mass extinction really effective. It are mainly the most endangered species and keystone species which must be cared more than well known and relative protected species like elephants, hippos, lions, pandas, whales, etc.. Many of the countless programs and resources for mentioned species should be used for the most endanged and keystone species. It makes no sense to protect more and more the well know species and every day dying or even extinct so many other important species. AI, Deep Learning, Supercomputers and intelligent computing systems should be used primarely to find all the most endanged and keystone species who are recorded. Search algorithms and organisations like ACM, MA, Google, Research Gate and Wolfram Alpha should support this actively. International institutions and nations should unite in this relation. It is maybe the most important issue of the world! Afforestation.org

We have not much time to establish hundreds of camps, greenhouses and new special areas for this special species protection tasks – on land and at sea – for the most endangered species of this world. The reality is, if the most important species or keystone species like bees extinct or reach a certain low population level (MVP), humanity and much other species depending on them will die out, too. If these most important food or dependency chains and bridges collapse, even if it are relative small or partwise unknown keystone species, it can cause cascade effects similar like in the case of the permafrost problem. No panic, but every day and action in this relation counts. The only way is to unite, to focus on this problem and find fastest solutions. My tipp work out keystone species and priority lists for all the expert workgroups and worldwide institutions like universities and schools – not just in relation to climate protection, environmental or species protection. The media and public should also report mainly about this.

Don’t ignore it. Forward and share if you can, it affects us all.

Autor: Oliver Gediminas Caplikas, Leipzig, November 2019