#PohonUntukKita: Simple Actions for Us, the Earth, and the Future

One tree can provide great services to the environment and other living things. Tokopedia and Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN) are working together to invite all levels of society together to create a sustainable Indonesia through the #PohonUntukKita program, which will take place from September 28 to October 11, 2021.

Currently, the action of planting trees has become a global movement carried out by various community groups who are aware of the important role of sustainable nature for life. This action is considered a simple, but effective, step to help overcome the fatal impacts of climate change. Tropical forests are capable of producing 20-30% oxygen, producing 20-30% clean water, and supporting community food security. Citing data from the United Nations, one mature tree can absorb up to 150 kilograms of carbon dioxide per year. The presence of trees can also lower the temperature by 2-8 degrees Celsius.

Now is the right time to make changes, given that the Earth's temperature continues to rise. The time remaining to limit temperature rises to well below 1.5 degrees Celsius—as per the Paris Climate Agreement, 2015—is also increasingly pressing. On August 13, 2021, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Environmental Information Center published that July 2021 will be the warmest month on Earth in 142 years. Temperatures in July 2021 were 0.93 degrees Celsius warmer than the 20th century average for the month.

Efforts to contain rising temperatures and reduce carbon dioxide emissions are also one of YKAN's conservation agendas which are carried out together with partners. Supporting the government's efforts in conservation programs, YKAN has two main conservation programs, namely terrestrial and marine, which work in 10 provinces in Indonesia. In carrying out its conservation strategy, YKAN develops nature-based solutions, which based on recent studies can achieve one-third of the global emission reduction target. Restoration of areas that have experienced deforestation and degradation is one such nature-based solution.

Tree planting actions can be carried out by all levels of society, both those around forest areas and living in urban areas. “Collaboration is the key to keep the earth sustainable. The collaboration with Tokopedia is one of the steps to reach a wider level of society in increasing environmental awareness and inviting the public to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions," explained Ratih Loekito, Director of Development and Marketing YKAN, regarding this program.

The #PohonUntukKita program is the first collaboration between YKAN and Tokopedia, which aims to assist forest area restoration efforts. Provision of seeds, planting, maintenance and monitoring of tree growth are a series of stages that last for one year in this program.

This concern for the preservation of nature is also in line with one of the main pillars of Tokopedia's CSR & Social Impact, namely the environment, which is the basis for Indonesia's online shopping platform in making a real contribution to the natural environment.

“Tokopedia and its strategic partner #SelaluAdaSelaluBisa encourage the creation of various initiatives related to environmental conservation to help improve the quality of life of the community. For example, through collaboration with YKAN in the #PohonUntukKita program which is one of the real actions to inspire more people to be involved in environmental care actions, including planting trees.” added Nuraini Razak, Vice President of Corporate Communications at Tokopedia.

Protecting and caring for a single tree can safeguard the hopes and aspirations of future generations for a comfortable earth to live in. It's time to plant hope for forest sustainability. One action for a big cause, one #PohonUntukKita.