Extreme weather is an increasing challenge for the environments where our field teams plant trees. From heavy rains and flooding to extended droughts and wildfires, these conditions can have devastating impacts on both the ecosystems we help restore and the surrounding communities. However, our field teams don’t just sit back and watch the damage unfold—they’re actively working to mitigate the effects of climate change and extreme weather by building resilient ecosystems and protecting communities.
Let’s explore what happens in the planting locations we support during extreme weather events, the strategies our field teams use to protect the environment, and how these efforts help maintain a balance between people and nature.
Flooding: A Double-Edged Sword for Restoration
Floods are becoming more frequent in many parts of the world, disrupting ecosystems and livelihoods. In Kenya, for example, flooding has caused significant damage to farms and communities. A recent dam collapse in Western Kenya triggered severe flooding, which not only displaced families but also affected wildlife habitats. Floodwaters can erode the soil, wash away young seedlings, and damage infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, making it difficult to access and manage restoration sites.
In Tanzania and Kenya, where our teams support farmers with sustainable agroforestry, flooding has wreaked havoc (causing widespread destruction and damage) on both crops and planting efforts. Yet, despite these setbacks, the field teams are taking action. One key strategy is planting trees in riparian zones (areas along rivers and streams), which helps stabilize soil and reduce erosion during floods. These trees also act as a buffer, absorbing excess water and preventing floods from washing away entire ecosystems.
A similar situation unfolded in Nepal, where intense rainfall led to flash floods and landslides that severely impacted communities. The field teams there have been working since 2014, and in the face of such extreme events, they respond by strengthening restoration programs and assessing the most affected areas. By doing this, they ensure the long-term health of the environment and the safety of people living nearby.
Drought: A Growing Challenge for Tree Planting
Droughts are another extreme weather condition that our field teams must constantly contend with. In Colombia, the recent El Niño event triggered one of the worst droughts in years, causing rivers to dry up and vegetation to wither. This drought delayed the start of tree planting projects, but once it subsided, planting resumed with added care and attention to the types of trees selected for the area.
For example, our field teams in Colombia have focused on planting native species that are more drought-resistant and require less water. This careful selection ensures that the trees are better suited to survive future dry spells and continue to contribute to biodiversity, climate regulation, and soil health.
Wildfires: A Rising Threat
As temperatures rise, wildfires are becoming more common and more severe. In places like Honduras, wildfires have destroyed vast areas of forest, putting both wildlife and local communities at risk. Our field teams there are working to protect watersheds and restore fire-damaged landscapes. This includes planting fire-resistant species, which not only help fight future fires but also provide long-term resilience to the ecosystem.
In some ecosystems, fire plays a natural and essential role. Low-intensity fires, for example, help cycle nutrients and stimulate new growth. However, when fires become too frequent or too intense, they can overwhelm an ecosystem’s ability to recover. In these cases, planting trees plays a crucial role in accelerating natural regeneration and reducing the risk of future fires. Our field teams, through careful planning, ensure the trees planted in fire-prone areas are spaced in a way that minimizes the spread of wildfires, while also providing essential wildlife habitats.
The Constant Effort to Build Resilience
What becomes clear from all these examples is that extreme weather is not a rare occurrence—it’s a reality that communities and ecosystems are facing every day. But instead of being paralyzed by these challenges, our field teams are constantly working to mitigate the damage and build resilience.
Whether it’s planting fire-resistant species, selecting drought-tolerant trees, or using nature to buffer against floods and landslides, the efforts on the ground are about more than just trees. They’re about creating sustainable systems that can withstand the shocks of a changing climate and continue to thrive. Their ongoing efforts show us that while nature can be unpredictable and sometimes destructive, it is also incredibly resilient. By supporting Dots.eco’s restoration and conservation projects in these vulnerable areas, you are playing a part in ensuring that future generations inherit a world where both people and nature can thrive, no matter the challenges they face.
