Zoë supports Tree Aid's Future Forest appeal to protect African communities and land

12 April 2021 19:29

Zoë is supporting the Future Forest fundraising appeal, launched today by Tree Aid, the charity she's been a patron of for more than 20 years.

The appeal, which has captured the attention of Sky News and the BBC, aims to save the Metema forest in Ethiopia, which is in danger of turning into desert due to the climate crisis. In addition, Tree Aid is contributing to the Great Green Wall initiative, an African-led movement to create a belt of lush vegetation across Africa and thereby tackle poverty and environmental issues.

The appeal aims to raise £352,875, and here's how the money will be used. The public's donations will support Tree Aid's Great Green Wall contribution and be matched by UK government funding until 11 July. That's fantastic news, as it means the fundraising total will be doubled. The government funding will support the Future Forest project, enabling Tree Aid to provide communities in Metema with tools and training to restore and protect the forest and generate a sustainable income from it.

Something that makes the Metema forest particularly special is that its trees produce frankincense, the precious resin used in essential oils.

Zoë says: 'I have been supporting Tree Aid for over two decades because they don't just plant trees and walk away – they work in partnership with communities to find long-term solutions that tackle both poverty and the climate crisis.

'I encourage people to support the Future Forest appeal if they can, knowing they can have double the impact as their gift will be matched by the government.'

Zoë speaks in more detail about her long-standing support for the charity in the video above. You may remember she presented a Radio 4 appeal on behalf of Tree Aid a couple of years ago (when the photo below was taken), which raised £15,000.

Other well-known people backing the Future Forest appeal include actor Joanna Lumley and naturalist Chris Packham.

If you'd like to support Tree Aid's work, you can donate to the Future Forest appeal online.

Thanks to Vanessa and Sally for their help.

perma-linktweet this