Relentless drought in this region is devastating farmer livelihoods and putting a strain on global food supply. Trees can infuse water into the dry land and renew its capabilities.
The Central America and the Caribbean region is at the center of global food supply. It’s also one of the most disaster-prone areas in the world, vulnerable to increasingly severe weather.
Trees can protect this region’s valuable agricultural resources by increasing water supply, preventing landslides, and reducing runoff.
Why Central America and the Caribbean is A Priority
Capturing needed water in dry areas
This region regularly endures extreme droughts that can last many months or even years. These periods are then often followed by torrential rain. The deluge can quickly erode dry, deforested areas like cropland. Trees can help stabilize the ground, prevent erosion, and absorb critical moisture.
Supporting the economy
More than 15 million farmers live in Central America. They depend on their crops for income to support their families. Because trees make soil healthier, techniques like reforestation and agroforestry can help improve the survivability of crops and ensure job security.
Feeding 1.3 billion people
According to the U.N., the region’s agricultural resources are “irreplaceable” in the context of global food security. Food accounts for 80% of total exports for some countries. Trees can boost crop production by helping the soil retain moisture and shielding crops from intense sun and rain.
Creating a home away from home
A wide range of native plants and animals call these forests home. But Central America is also a safe haven for migratory creatures visiting over the winter. More than 200 birds make the journey each year, as well as millions of monarch butterflies. During their stay, most rely on trees for habitat and survival.
Current State
Our work in Central America and the Caribbean encompasses 13 countries, including the “dry corridor.” The stretch of land from Southern Mexico to Panama endures alternating periods of drought and unyielding rain. The conditions are brutal on farmers as crops dry up or are swept away in torrential storms.
Trees can help by holding onto moisture in dry soil and preventing erosion. When planted in mass, trees release enough water vapor through their leaves to promote needed rainfall.
Regional Threats and Challenges
Many of the difficulties in this region, including the volatility of the dry corridor, are effects of climate change. Trees can bring needed stability.
Drought
In 2015, drought killed 60% of corn crops and 80% of bean crops. By 2019, 1.2 million people were food insecure. Reforestation holds moisture in dry ground and protects food sources.
Natural disasters
Natural disasters have affected 190 million people in this region in the last two decades. Trees can act as protection by slowing strong winds, reducing stormwater runoff, and securing the soil.
Climate migration
Climate-related food shortages could force 17 million people in this region to migrate by 2050. Trees help keep the land healthy enough to support food production and stabilize the economy.
Deforestation
Forests have been significantly deforested and the massive tree loss creates massive carbon emissions, contributing to climate change. More trees must be planted now to replace what’s been lost.
Our Work in Central America and the Caribbean
Planting trees is a key part of addressing the burden of climate change in Central America and the Caribbean. But we know there’s also a range of other co-benefits trees can deliver for this region. Alongside our on-the-ground planting partners, we’ve already planted 3.2 million trees that have helped to support landowner livelihoods, foster wildlife habitat, and promote the availability of food and clean water.
Right Trees, Right Place, Right Reason
As a global nonprofit dedicated to planting trees, the Arbor Day Foundation is committed to nurturing crucial forestlands. We leverage cutting-edge science and data to identify ecosystems of global influence, like Central America and the Caribbean. We’re using our exclusive forest priority index to elevate our impact through reforestation and mobilize our network of partners to help plant at the speed of a changing world.
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