Earlier this year, the specialist solo tour operator set a goal of planting 25,000 trees, to mark its 25th anniversary.
The report – produced by Planeterra - confirms that since launching in February this year, 28,000 trees have been planted across five sites worldwide, comprising:
* Tamamdt Nursery, Morocco
* Mazingira Tree Nursery, Tanzania
* Mangrove Restoration Project, Guatemala
* Umswai Valley Reforestation Initiative, India
* Kelp Restoration, Canada
Highlights include 12,500 mangroves at the Mangrove Restoration Project; 6,000 kelp plants grown in Canada; and 5,000 saplings cultivated at the Tamamdt Nursery.
In addition, Just You introduced a trade incentive whereby for every new trade booking made up to February 28, a tree was planted. It contributed more than 3,000 trees to the overall total.
Adam Kemp, managing director at Just You, said: “Sustainable tourism isn’t just about seeing the world, it’s about preserving it. Our partnership with Planeterra reflects our belief that every journey should leave a positive footprint, producing positive outcomes for communities and local people.
“With this tree growing project, land will be restored and lives will be considerably improved. For example, at the Balakhongor Bidya Niketan school in Umswai Valley, India, the plantation of 500 trees on the school campus means that environmental studies can now include real-time monitoring of soil and water around the site, giving young people a greater understanding and appreciation of sustainability efforts. As we celebrate 25 years, we remain committed to making travel a force for good, today and for the next generation of travellers.”
Thomas Armitt, senior manager, climate and biodiversity at Planeterra, said: "We’re proud to partner with Just You and their partners in this tree-growing initiative. It’s inspiring to see how travel can not only strengthen livelihoods and celebrate cultural heritage, but also uplift communities to lead nature restoration and regeneration efforts and protect ecosystems."
