Corner Brook, NL -
If a tree falls in an overseas impoverished country, does it make a noise?
Apparently so.
Forests without Borders, a charitable program operated by the Canadian Institute of Forestry, works with existing non-government organizations to ensure any noise it makes is heard.
The group, established within Canada in 2008, delivers the skills, knowledge and tools to help people around the world reduce poverty, restore ecosystems and increase the understanding of sustainable development of forest resources. Partnerships are established with local organizations working on the ground that know and understand the needs of people in these countries.
The scarcity of resources in these places - such as fuel, shelter and water - result in a multitude of problems undermining human security and health. According to Bill Clarke, a registered professional forester, many of these problems can be resolved.
The forester, who spent from 1981-1984 volunteering in the South Pacific nation of the Republic of Vanuatu with the Canadian University Service Overseas (CUSO), said the overseas commitment can also be a fulfilling one personally.
"I was able to help the people there, I think," said Clarke, after he spoke to the Rotary Club of Corner Brook Thursday (March 11). "Things like how to drive a truck and how to do basic forestry to more advanced forestry.
"I got a tremendous sense of personal growth, feeling that I was doing something to help people. The people were very friendly and it is something that has stayed with me throughout my life. It was a very positive experience and I would recommend it to anyone."
Clarke said those are just some of the reasons why foresters and other members of the Canadian Institute of Forestry look to assist those types of organizations in their overseas work.
Projects the group is involved with include watershed restoration in India, trees for hope in Zambia, and a community hall for a hopeful community in Uganda. Representatives use their expertise to help the poor of the world improve their fuel and water - important resources from forest ecosystems - supply and security.
"We are not focused on sending people overseas, but helping the people on the ground," Clarke said. " ... There's not really an opportunity to go and work with Forests without Borders, but, who knows, maybe in 10 or 20 years it will.
"It has been doing well for only being in existence for our second year. I think we are doing really well."
In Newfoundland and Labrador, the organization raised $4,500 in its first year. The group also raises awareness of these types of issues by speaking or appearing at schools and events throughout the province. It has also done some local planting projects of its own.
