Replanting trees on the roof of the world to support local communities and to protect ecosystem function
As many of you know UTMR and we, as its organisers, have a close connection with Nepal. Like many of you we are concerned with the rampaging effects of climate change. In Nepal the effects of climate change are exacerbated by the speed of changing land use, including indiscriminate road building, often destabilising already fragile landscapes. Nepal is home to the highest mountains of our earth, the Himalaya. But its forests are also essential to ecosystem function over vast areas.
From 2021 we will support the Eden Reforestation Project in Nepal. For each registered runner we will donate 1 euro, the equivalent of the cost to cultivate and then replant 3 seedlings in the wild. As a grassroots project this also provides much needed jobs for local Nepalis, helping to secure their livelihood and fight poverty, as well as protecting the natural environment.
With its geography and climate Nepal has always been subject to natural disasters. Climate change and deforestation has left this mountain nation even more vulnerable. Planting trees to restore forests is key to reducing the negative impacts natural disasters have on both the land and the local community. In deforested areas, planting trees rehabilitates and stabilises the land. The tree root systems hold the soil together, reducing, and eventually eliminating erosion. The tree canopies prevent direct contact of rainwater on the soil, decreasing the likelihood of floods and landslides.
Part of Eden Reforestation Projects’ “Employ to Plant” methodology includes hiring women living in extreme poverty to plant trees, manage nurseries, and lead teams. Supporting the Eden Reforestation Project in Nepal, also helps empower women in local communities.
On registering for any UTMR race we give our runners the opportunity to match or add to our donations for this effort. We are always happy for questions or additional donations, just email info@ultratourmonterosa.com for more information.
Thank you for your support to help protect the forests of this fragile mountain environment.
Namaste.
