Ogoki Forest, Canada

Project Summary

A major reforestation effort is underway in the Ogoki Forest of Northwestern Ontario, where the planting of three million trees will begin the processing of restoring native lands devastated by wildfires. A mix of native spruce and pine seedlings are being planted in areas where natural regeneration is limited, helping to strengthen ecological resilience and protect wildlife habitat for species such as caribou, wolverine, and marten.

The new trees will also sequester carbon and reduce the risk of future wildfires by encouraging healthy forest regeneration. With thousands of seedlings already planted, this large-scale effort aims to bring back biodiversity and combat climate change.

Spring and Fall

Planting period

300,000

Number of trees to be planted

Active

Status

Region

Located 400 km (250 mi) northeast of Thunder Bay, Ontario Canada, the Ogoki Forest project advances a comprehensive reforestation initiative that addresses climate change while strengthening Indigenous partnerships and local communities.

The Ogoki Forest's environmental importance lies in its role as a vital boreal ecosystem critical for biodiversity and carbon sequestration. Threats from wildfires, logging and climate change continue. Large-scale restoration efforts are helping to rebuild habitat, stabilize soils, and restore ecological balance.

Community

Through collaboration with Aroland, Eabametoong, and Marten Falls First Nations, this initiative supports Indigenous economic development, builds capacity through training and forest planning, and creates employment opportunities for certified woodland operators.

The First Nation tribes are asserting their Aboriginal and Treaty rights and demanding consent for projects impacting their lands, ensuring that resource opportunities are balanced with the inherent rights and well-being of their people.

Fire Resilience

During the summer of 2023, Canada experienced its most intense wildfire season on record. More than 40 million acres burned, an area the size of Georgia. The fires injected an enormous amount of smoke into the atmosphere, where photochemical reactions generated ozone pollution.

The strategic planting of diverse, fire-adapted native species will enhance fire resilience, support habitat recovery for species at risk including woodland caribou, wolverines, and martens, and sequester carbon to mitigate climate change. This multifaceted approach strengthens community resilience while restoring one of Canada's most ecologically significant landscapes.

Projects

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Pairing an outdoor activity with classroom learning makes climate education tangible, personal and memorable, connecting the lesson to real-world actions. By using their own two hands, students not only contribute to their community, but deepen their understanding of ecosystems, the role of trees in carbon capture, and how local action can contribute to global change.

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Atlas Mountains, Morocco

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Lake Tanganyika, Tanzania

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MEXICO: SIERRA GORDA

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