HPET Project Focus: Eden Projects

Founded in 2005, Eden Projects (www.eden-plus.org) is a global nonprofit dedicated to restoring degraded landscapes through large-scale reforestation while alleviating extreme poverty. The organization currently manages over 2 million hectares of land in some of the world’s most environmentally and economically vulnerable regions, partnering with local communities to plant native trees where forests have been destroyed. By linking ecological restoration with job creation, Eden Projects addresses climate change, biodiversity loss, and human well-being simultaneously.

A central element of Eden Projects’ work is its community-based reforestation model, which employs local people to restore mangroves, dry forests, and tropical ecosystems using ecologically appropriate methods. These restored forests help sequester carbon, stabilize soils, protect coastlines, and rebuild critical wildlife habitat, while also improving food security and resilience for nearby communities. By prioritizing native species and long-term forest management, Eden ensures that restoration efforts deliver lasting environmental benefits rather than short-term gains.

Deforestation and land degradation continue to accelerate due to climate change, agricultural expansion, and unsustainable land use. Eden Projects responds by working with governments, scientists, and local stakeholders to restore landscapes at scale and protect them over time. By combining ecological science, community employment, and long-term stewardship, Eden Projects plays a significant role in rebuilding ecosystems and strengthening the natural systems that support global environmental health.