Rich outcomes
Maeroa Intermediate, Hamilton teacher, Julie, checks out the school nursery.
Over the last 3 years a huge range of restoration projects across the country were enhanced through a one billion trees (1BT) partnership between Toimata Foundation and Te Uru Rākau. A key focus of the partnership was extending ecological action on the ground across the Enviroschools and Te Aho Tū Roa networks. This strengthened capacity surpassed the vision of 30 with over 100 projects being supported.
The funding was opened with a promotion and inspiration Enviroschools | Matariki Tu Rākau Grant article and video.
The effectiveness of the first round of funding was celebrated in a News and Events article Enviroschools | One Billion Trees Partnership grows and extends ecological actions
The following year we shared stories from around the motu. Enviroschools | Impacted schools benefit from One Billion Trees funding
And the last year was celebrated through an article: Enviroschools | Celebrating 2024 mahi enabled through the TUR 1BT collaboration
“…The land carries the impressions of all the generations that previously walked upon it; the names and stories layered on our landscape convey how people have viewed it and value it. Learning about this can help us make decisions about how we want to care for the landscapes in and around our Enviroschool, now and into the future.” – Enviroschools Living Landscapes Theme Area overview.
Wide geographic spread
While both Toimata and Te Uru Rākau initially explored the possibility of students supporting existing larger scale 1BT projects, this wasn’t practical. The focus on supporting and showcasing holistic actions led by participants of all ages in Enviroschools and Te Aho Tū Roa proved effective.
Taranaki focused funding action at the school/community level through the distribution of native trees and tools and running Enviro Action days.
In 2023 Tāmaki Enviroschools ran six professional development sessions at ECE and primary, intermediate and secondary schools.
By leveraging our strong and committed network across the motu the 1BT collaboration with Toimata achieved a wide geographic spread and local engagement with communities in a range of ways.
Motivating and inspiring stories were shared in different formats and platforms – films, website stories, regional newsletters, and social media. Facilitators played a role of ‘pollinators,’ encouraging engagement and sharing project successes between participants to grow the puna mātauranga.
Fresh confidence in our approach and rich resources
Due to the nature of our network, these small amounts of funding have made a really meaningful difference. This is because we have established and trust-based relationships with groups (schools, kindergartens, communities, hapu, iwi) that are already on a sustainability journey that includes ecological restoration.
We found during the 3-year project that rather than creating new rauemi/resources, our existing suite provided a solid base and highlighted the strength and richness of these existing resources and processes. Alongside our skilled facilitators, hard copy and online material continue to support and help ground the kaupapa.
“We may want to protect existing habitats from invasive species, or restore the original plant communities of our area in part of our landscape, using our local forest or wetland as our template. This will strengthen the links between our Enviroschool and the ecosystem it is part of, and create safe homes for local species. We can practice eco-sourcing, knowing that when we grow and plant trees from seed gathered from the site, we are returning those tree mokopuna (grandchildren) to their parents and grandparents.” From Enviroschools Living Landscapes Theme Area key concept Co-creating and caring for Living Landscapes.
Facilitators as a key enabler
Sowing the seeds of restoration at Tarras School.
Additionally, we have been able to support some of the ‘deepening practice’ mahi our team undertakes with the network of Enviroschools Facilitators. Facilitators play a key role in supporting centres and schools to connect with experts that can support their projects – be that scientists, kaumātua, or knowledgeable community members. Facilitators also encourage schools to explore innovative ideas and practices. So, investing in these Facilitators is a key enabler as it provides the foundation for ECE centres and schools to explore, learn and take action for the health of taiao in creative and innovative ways that weave in Te Ao Māori, science, latest research, and diverse ideas. This approach has been key to the success of our contribution to the 1BT outcomes.
Our kaupapa engages people at a deep level and supports them to see the big picture of sustainability and implement this in local and culturally relevant ways. This means that projects innately encompass diverse concepts such as climate action, biodiversity restoration, whanaungatanga, waste reduction, manaakitanga, and hauora. Over 100 projects have been strengthened as a result of this collaboration, over 63,000 plants grown and planted and many people learning and taking action together, building skills and understanding of ecosystems, climate change mitigation and how small actions can make a big impact.
James Hargest College students at a planting day, 2023.
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