For those in the developing world, environmentalism is more than a trendy issue. The impact of climate change and the deterioration of the environment often has the most devastating effect on the world's poor who can ill afford to cope.

Each of these three World Vision-sponsored projects is helping community members reverse the trends of environmental damage.

Community Tree Nurseries, Uganda
The 19-year conflict in northern Uganda has had a great impact on the local environment. With more than 1.4 million people displaced in the region, the demand for wood has become enormous.

Environmental degradation is especially pronounced around camps for Internally Displaced Persons and town centres. Trees in these places are often cut down to construct shelters, create firewood and clear land to grow crops. 

World Vision and other organizations, like the World Food Programme, are involved in tree-planting activities to help reverse this phenomenon.

Through horticultural demonstrations, World Vision has helped give birth to community tree nurseries. Prospective farmers are trained by district environment officers. These farmers are then given tree seedlings to plant.

A number of different trees are being planted for a variety of purposes, such as producing firewood, fruit and lumber for construction. A total of about 95,000 tree seedlings have been raised in the two districts where this project runs.

World Vision has also helped train members of the community to make fuel-saving stoves so that tree cutting for firewood can be minimized.

Environmental Restoration, Indonesia
Following the 2005 south Asia tsunami, World Vision has worked with Indonesian partners to return the environment to its natural state.

Cut Vona, a young child from a World Vision Child Friendly Space in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, was one of more than 150 children who planted trees at a special event organized by World Vision. Each child planted a tree in Adipura Park, Banda Aceh city.

Teaching children and youth about the importance of the environment is becoming a key focus in the 22 Child Friendly Spaces in Aceh.

"I look forward to when I grow up and I can walk in this park and feel fresh air; no fog and no dust. I will be able to say, 'This is my tree that I have planted.' And I will be very happy," added Vona with a proud smile.

Recycling Centre, Bosnia-Herzegovina
While this eastern European country is still recovering from years of violence, World Vision is working with an often-discriminated ethnic community to set up a recycling centre.

Believed to be the first facility of its kind to meet European standards in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the recycling centre near Sarejevo employs men from the Roma population—a Balkan ethnic group that often faces harassment.

World Vision project manager Amir Sarajilic says the establishment of the recycling centre helps families earn a regular income.

"Besides employing the Roma, we will improve the environmental image of Sarejevo Canton," Sarajilic said.

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