About us
It takes a community to restore a forest
We work everyday to plant and grow trees, restore and conserve forests and strengthen community and ecosystem resilience. We believe in transformational tree planting, because when tree planting is done right it changes landscapes, communities and livelihoods.
International Tree Foundation (ITF) is a pioneering environmental organisation whose origins were in Kenya with the creation of Watu wa Miti (People of the Trees) by Dr Richard ‘St. Barbe’ Baker and Chief Josiah Njonjo.
Our history
ITF is run by a small dedicated team of staff and trustees who work with partners to plant trees in Africa and the UK.
Meet the team
As the oldest international tree planting charity in the world, we have a long history of growing trees and restoring and conserving forests.
Yet our work is about much more than tree planting. We know that the relationship between people and forests determines the success of our work.
That’s why we are a community-led organisation. Meaning that the people whose livelihoods depend upon local forests are the people who decide which trees to plant, where, and why.
Why we plant trees
At ITF, we recognise the multiple benefits of trees for both people and planet. We plant trees to:
Restore and protect forests
Capture carbon and combat the effects of climate change
Increase and support vital biodiversity
Create and improve livelihoods
Support gender inclusion and advance gender justice
Improve farming outcomes through agroforestry
Improve access to vital resources like food and medicine.
Latest news
“Be like a tree in pursuit of your cause. Stand firm, grip hard, thrust upward. Bend to the winds of heaven. And learn tranquility.”
— ITF founder and visionary tree planter, Richard St.Barbe Baker