PlanirYourFuTure Unnuaf Report and accountj ZOZ4 Ir ## Contents |Contents|Contents| |---|---| |**Chairman’s Message**...................................................................................................................1|| |**Our Vision and Mission**..............................................................................................................2|| |**2024 Highlights**...........................................................................................................................4|| |**About our work**............................................................................................................................5|| |e|Silvopastoral Systems.........................................................................................................5| |e|A Journey into Agroforestry...............................................................................................7| |**Community Development**........................................................................................................9|| |e|Farmer Field Schools...........................................................................................................9| |e|Women’s Tree Nursery Workshops.................................................................................11| |e|Women’s Scholarship Programme (Apprenticeships).................................................12| |e|Women in Agroforestry: Leidy and Priscilla..................................................................13| |**Updates from the Field**............................................................................................................13|| |e|Pruning..................................................................................................................................15| |e|Grafting.................................................................................................................................17| |e|Seed Bank Construction....................................................................................................18| |e|Outdoor Clothes Donation...............................................................................................20| |e|Farmer Case Study: Gladys Muñoz..................................................................................21| |**Financial Reports**......................................................................................................................23|| |e|Financial Summary.............................................................................................................23| |e|Financial Statement...........................................................................................................24| Registered Charity England No. 1134720 - www.plantyourfuture.org.uk ## Chairman’s Message ## **As we reflect on 2024, I am proud to share another year of remarkable progress at Plant Your Future.** This year, we planted an incredible **311,640 trees** , a testament to the steady growth of our programme. But planting is just the first step—our teams have also worked tirelessly to **maintain and nurture** the trees from previous years, ensuring their long-term survival and impact. We ended the year on an incredible fundraising high, surpassing our £50,000 target in the Big Give Christmas Challenge—a truly outstanding achievement that will help sustain and expand our work in 2025. None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our team, the resilience of the farmers we support, and the generosity of our partners and donors. Thank you for being part of this journey—we look forward to another impactful year ahead! In 2024, we successfully **built our long-awaited seed bank** , overcoming previous setbacks. We are now excited to get it fully operational in 2025, strengthening seed security and scaling up reforestation efforts. Our farmer field schools continued to empower local communities, equipping farmers with skills to restore degraded land and improve their livelihoods. Jenny Henman Chairman, Plant Your Future Meanwhile, our gender equality and women’s programmes expanded significantly, bringing more women into climate-smart farming and leadership roles. A smaller but heartfelt highlight was the donation of high-quality outdoor clothing from Stow Outdoors and Rohan UK. This brought both joy and practical benefits to the farmers and community members who work in tough Amazonian conditions every day. _Jenny Henman, Chairman and Founder_ 1 Registered Charity England No. 1134720 - www.plantyourfuture.org.uk ## Our Vision and Mission **VISION: Thriving communities in a restored Amazon.** ## _Estanislao Ocas with a Capirona (Calycophyllum spruceanum) sapling_ This approach restores the land, protects biodiversity, and improves livelihoods, without the need to clear more of the Amazon. ## **MISSION: To champion community-led climate action through sustainable farming and native species reforestation.** Since 2009, Plant Your Future has been working with smallholder farmers in the Amazon to restore degraded land and create a future where both people and forests can thrive. Deforestation in Peru’s Western Arc of the Amazon Rainforest—one of the most biodiverse places on Earth—is largely driven by slash-andburn farming. It accounts for around 90% of forest loss, wiping out biodiversity and leaving families struggling to make a living. Most smallholder farmers earn just £100 a month, which is barely enough to get by. Many find themselves trapped in a poverty cycle, vulnerable to crises and with few alternatives to the unsustainable practices they’ve used for so long. We’re working to change that by helping farmers transition to agroforestry—a more sustainable way of farming that combines planting crops, fruit trees, and timber species. _The Peruvian Western Arc of the Amazon, where we carry out our work_ ## **Working with Farmers to Restore Forests** So far, we’ve planted 797,508 native trees across 62 communities. But while planting trees accounts for a lot of our work, there's much more going on behind the scenes. 2 Registered Charity England No. 1134720 - www.plantyourfuture.org.uk **Our Vision and Mission** _insert caption_ And it’s all built on equipping farmers with the skills, resources, and long-term support to integrate trees into productive, sustainable farming systems. Across all our initiatives, we work directly with farmers and rural communities to build technical knowledge and capacity, so that our reforestation efforts are not just successful but self-sustaining. Through our Farmer Field Schools, we provide hands-on training in agroforestry techniques, helping farmers manage their land more sustainably. ## **Recognised for Impact** Each of these programmes feeds into our overarching vision: restoring forests, improving livelihoods, and making sure the Amazon’s smallholder farmers have the tools they need to protect the land for generations to come. And in 2015, independent auditors certified our work under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and the Climate, Community & Biodiversity Standard (CCBS), recognising our efforts to restore forests while supporting local communities. Meanwhile, our Women’s Tree Nursery Workshops and Apprenticeships create new pathways into forestry for women, offering both training and employment. And with the construction of the first off-grid, solar-powered native seed bank in the Peruvian Amazon, we’re securing a reliable supply of native species to scale up reforestation. _Leydy Hernandez, who worked her way up from apprentice to nursery lead_ We believe that when farmers have the right support, they can protect their land, improve their incomes, and help restore the Amazon for future generations. _Our new seed bank during its construction_ By helping communities gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to farm sustainably, we’re helping them break the cycle of deforestation and poverty, towards a more sustainable future for everyone and everything. 3 Registered Charity England No. 1134720 - www.plantyourfuture.org.uk ## **2024 Highlights: Our Year in Numbers** **311,640 trees planted** **10** **jobs created new families adopting silvopasture** **265** **family farms 49** / **reforested 14 apprenticeswomen hectares 268.50 reforested** **5** **volunteers** **62** a **tree varieties 26 planted** 4 **communities we work with** \ **threatened species** ~ **6 planted** **6** 4 Registered Charity England No. 1134720 - www.plantyourfuture.org.uk ## Silvopastoral Systems _Five year old agroforestry system in Ucayali from above. Before, it was degraded pasture as seen on the far right._ ## **In 2024 we continued our work to help farmers establish silvopasture systems on their smallholdings.** We built on the previous year’s success, where partnerships and support from organisations such as One Tree Planted helped us expand our reach and welcome farming families as new members of Plant Your Future. By working directly with smallholder farmers, we've been able to transform more degraded pastureland into productive and biodiverse landscapes, providing farmers with an alternative to deforestation. In regions such as Ucayali, large areas of degraded land are now covered by _Urochloa decumbens_ and other related species, making reforestation efforts increasingly challenging and threatening local biodiversity. This species offers poor nutrition for cattle, increases fire risks in the dry season, and reduces the biodiversity of these already degraded areas. The prevailing grazing methods are highly inefficient. Farmers need 80 hectares to support just 20 cows—a low-capacity and low-income setup that leads them to clear even more land for ranching. ## **Why is Silvopasture Needed?** Cattle ranching is the leading cause of rainforest clearance in Ucayali and Huánuco. Deforestation and the loss of the protective canopy exposes the soil to heavy rainfall, causing erosion and nutrient depletion. Pastures are then dominated by _Urochloa spp._ (formerly _Brachiaria spp_ .), a common invasive species introduced from Africa in the mid-20th century for cattle grazing. This aggressive grass has spread extensively across the Peruvian Amazon, outcompeting native vegetation and hindering forest regeneration. And finally, there’s the issue of the cattle itself. Due to a lack of knowledge, resources, and sustainable practices, cattle ranching remains unprofitable for farmers. Without training or local examples of better grazing methods, they have little ability to improve cattle welfare or provide more nutritious feed. The result is widespread soil depletion, unhealthy livestock, and ongoing deforestation, not to mention the continued poverty cycle that traps farming families. 5 Registered Charity England No. 1134720 - www.plantyourfuture.org.uk ## **Silvopastoral Systems** a. ## **A More Sustainable System** At Plant Your Future, we don’t endorse cattle ranching. But we do recognise and respect the economic and social realities of farmers. To them, cattle is a form of insurance— something they can sell in an emergency or when times get tough. So, we work with them so that they can raise livestock in a more sustainable and productive way. Our goal is to help farmers graze the same herd size or less but in a smaller area. In collaboration with the farmers, we plant hedgerows on a designated plot every 12 meters across. The hedgerows are made up of a diverse selection of trees—some support the livestock while others boost soil fertility, biodiversity and provide shade. Initially, the cattle are kept out to allow newly planted trees to establish. But once mature, the trees provide: - Essential shade, reducing heat stress among the cattle - High-quality fodder, improving cattle nutrition and health - Higher soil fertility, restoring degraded land A more efficient grazing system, reducing deforestation pressure and freeing up land for more agroforestry and restoration. ## **Progress in 2024** In 2024, we worked with another 10 new families to implement the silvopasture model on their farms. _Hedgerows just 9 months after planting on a degraded ranch in Nueva Esperanza, Ucayali._ ## **How it Works** In our silvopasture model, native fodder and timber trees are planted into pastures, mimicking the natural hedgerows that cattle graze from. These living fences serve as natural boundaries, windbreaks, and healthier fodder sources, not only encircling the boundaries of the pastures, but crisscrossing them. The system not only supports animal welfare but also enhances soil fertility and biodiversity, maintaining habitat corridors for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. Training focused on: - Installing silvopastoral systems to reduce deforestation - Planting and managing tree hedgerows for long-term productivity - Improving pasturelands to sustain healthier livestock - Enhancing soil fertility through regenerative techniques - Capturing carbon through tree integration Silvopasture is new to the Peruvian Amazon, yet it holds immense potential. With their cattle grazing on smaller, more productive areas, farmers can restore degraded lands while maintaining their herds and their livelihoods. 6 Registered Charity England No. 1134720 - www.plantyourfuture.org.uk _Trees growing on a restored farm in Iquitos_ ## A Journey into Agroforestry ## **Our work is founded on a vision where local Amazonian communities don’t have to choose between economy and ecology.** Both national and international experts agree that agroforestry offers a viable alternative to deforestation. It also reduces the pressure felt by local people to migrate to urban areas for low-paying jobs. Agroforestry’s adaptable nature provides bespoke solutions for each farmer. Some may choose a silvopasture system, integrating trees with pastureland for livestock. Others may combine cocoa trees with timber species, while some might choose to mix pure timber trees with fast-growing crops and shrubs. What’s important is that farmers can be instrumental in restoring this region’s native species and natural biodiversity without compromising on their ability to earn a living. still adapting to new methods. During this time, our team works closely with families, providing training, resources, and technical assistance to help their agroforestry systems thrive. By covering the upfront costs of tools, equipment, and key inputs, we remove financial barriers that might otherwise prevent farmers from transitioning to sustainable agriculture. ## **Year 1: Establishing Strong Foundations** From July to October, there’s a lot of work to be done in the tree nurseries. Farmers living nearby take part in practical training, learning how to grow native trees and crops from seed. Our hands-on workshops cover every stage of cultivation, including: - Germination - Pricking out - Pruning - Watering ## **The First Three Years** - Pest and disease control - Hardening off young trees for field planting Agroforestry is a long-term commitment, requiring skill, knowledge, and ongoing support. This is especially true in the first three years, when trees are most vulnerable and farmers are Farmers are also trained in nursery management, gaining valuable experience that they can use moving forward. 7 Registered Charity England No. 1134720 - www.plantyourfuture.org.uk **A Journey into Agroforestry** Each one is paid for their work, ensuring the nurseries are community-led while making sure participants earn an income. ## **Year 2: Planting, Soil Restoration & Early Crops** December to April is the wet season—our crucial window for planting thousands of saplings. During this period, our teams shift their focus to: - **Soil restoration:** Farmers learn to improve soil health using natural fertilisation techniques, such as planting nitrogen-fixing cover crops like bean varieties (Canavalia) and applying nutrient-rich mulch from guaba (Inga edulis.) tree leaves. - **Weeding and maintenance:** In the tropics, weeds grow fast, and regular clearing is vital. Otherwise, the weeds outcompete young saplings, which slows tree growth. **Survival checks and replanting:** Three months after planting, our team conducts survival assessments, replacing any trees that haven’t taken root. By mid-year, farmers begin planting fastgrowing crops between the young trees. These provide an early income stream while the trees establish. Typical crops include: ## **Year 3: Investing in Future Value** By the third year, the trees are becoming well established. Our team visits each smallholding to train farmers on optimising productivity and protecting long-term value by: - **Grafting cocoa trees:** Our technical team provides training and hands-on support to make sure trees are grafted correctly, which improves yield and disease resistance. - **Pruning for quality and resilience:** Farmers learn how to prune timber trees for long, straight trunks that will increase their commercial value in the future. Fruit trees are also pruned to boost productivity and prevent excess shade, as this can raise humidity levels and increase pest and disease risks. - **Monitoring for pests and disease:** Farmers are trained to spot early signs of issues and report them to our technical team so they can take action before problems escalate. By the end of year three, farmers have the skills and experience to manage their agroforestry plots independently. Their land is healthier, their crops more productive, and their incomes more secure. - Charapita chilli peppers ( _Capsicum chinense_ ) Cocona ( _Solanum sessiliflorum_ ) Manioc ( _Manihot esculenta_ ) Banana ( _Musa paradisiaca_ ) Maize ( _Zea mays L._ ) As the year progresses, farmers select the cocoa varieties they want to graft. Grafting improves both the yield and flavour of cocoa beans, increasing the crop’s commercial value. _Pruning strengthens young trees, helping them grow straight and strong_ 8 Registered Charity England No. 1134720 - www.plantyourfuture.org.uk ## Farmer Field Schools _Workshop taking place in Puerto Inca District, Huanuco with our agroforestry specialist and INIA_ ## **Transitioning to sustainable farming in the Amazon requires learning new skills in agroforestry and managing young saplings in degraded environments so that they can grow, survive, and thrive.** In these sessions, farmers receive step-by-step guidance regarding each stage of tree cultivation, from fertiliser application at planting to pest control, pruning, and long-term maintenance. For smallholder farmers, access to practical, hands-on training is critical. Our Farmer Field Schools provide a space where farmers can learn regenerative techniques in a real-world setting—directly on their own farms or within their communities. Farming on smallholdings can often feel isolating, so this opportunity to come together fosters a strong sense of community, where farmers can share experiences, support one another, and build confidence in applying their new skills. ## **Building Skills for Regenerative Farming and Diversified Production** In 2024, we delivered 487 Farmer Field Schools sessions across 59 different communities in the regions of Ucayali, Huánuco, and Loreto. Hundreds of engaged farmers took part in technical training and peer-to-peer learning, building skills as well as community resilience. These sessions are kept small, conducted per village with 6-10 participants. _Our new agroforestry farmers take their knowledge out into the field, applying it to their real-world setting_ This gives the farmers a chance to talk, share experiences, and apply their learning hands on, in real-time, under the guidance of our local team of foresters and agronomists. 9 Registered Charity England No. 1134720 - www.plantyourfuture.org.uk **Farmer Field Schools** ## **Training included:** - Silvopastoral systems training for farmers - Tree nursery management for women entrepreneurs - Strengthening agricultural value chains - Agrochemical use and its environmental impact SENASA in particular focuses heavily on pest control, helping farmers identify and manage emerging pest and disease challenges. Our partnership is an excellent opportunity to bring these experts and the farmers they need to work with together for specialised training. - Production and application of mineral solutions for pest and disease management Integrated pest management - Production and management of organic liquid fertilizers - e Correct pruning techniques - eCas Climate change and biodiversity conservation - Techniques for improving forest production - High pruning selection Forest inventory of mature trees - Leadership and capacity building for farmers _Yerson Alania, Forestry Technician, explaining correct pruning techniques_ _Experts from INIA and SENASA share specialist knowledge with our famers_ We also partnered with INIA (National Institute for Agrarian Research) and SENASA (National Service for Agrarian Health of Peru) to bring in specialists for targeted sessions. _Farmers are given all the information they need to run their farms successfully and sustainably._ 10 Registered Charity England No. 1134720 - www.plantyourfuture.org.uk _Scholarship recipient and nursery team member, Clara Vasquez, delivers a session on pruning saplings at a women’s tree nursery workshop_ ## Women’s Scholarship Programme **Where we work, women haven’t traditionally been involved in agroforestry. So we’re working to upskill them and help them enter the agroforestry workforce.** In 2024, 14 women completed a month-long placement at our nurseries in Pueblo Libre, Nueva Esperanza, and Unión Porvenir. During this period: - They earned an income. ## supportive female entrepreneurs in forestry. Each participant also received gloves, pruning shears, a rake, a machete, nursery bags, and more—an essential nursery toolkit with which they could produce saplings at home or even launch a micro-nursery enterprise. Our workshops and apprenticeships are important training programmes, and yet they’re so much more. - They received on-the-job coaching. - They were indispensable to our nursery operations, producing saplings for our 2024 reforestation campaign. - They were awarded a certificate recognizing their training and contribution. By equipping women with the skills, knowledge, and resources to work in the forestry sector, they’re a shift toward greater inclusivity in conservation, land restoration, and lasting change. Several apprentices have since been offered seasonal roles, continuing their work in our nurseries in an effort to sustain both environmental restoration and economic opportunity. The demand for reforestation in Ucayali and Huánuco is growing, and these women are capable of driving it. ## **Increasing Opportunities for Women’s Futures** To celebrate all they'd accomplished, we hosted a closing ceremony, led by our technical team members, Agronomist Gloria Ahuanari Usquiano and Carlos Munguia. Our apprentices shared lessons and connected with each other, building their network of _The 2024 apprentices with their nursery toolkits_ 11 Registered Charity England No. 1134720 - www.plantyourfuture.org.uk ## **Women’s Tree Nursery Workshops** ## Women’s Tree Nursery Workshops **When you plant a seed, it’s not just a tree that grows.** **Each seedling our farmers place in the ground carries the promise of improved livelihoods, the strength of independence, and the power of transformation.** And that’s especially true for women. For rural women in the Peruvian Amazon, economic opportunities have been limited, especially in the forestry sector when it was all about extraction and tree felling. But with the new opportunities we create in reforestation and through our women’s tree nursery workshops, we’re making sure that women gain technical reforestation skills and secure a place in the growing green economy. These intensive trainings included: - **Seed preparation:** Ensuring optimal germination for native species like Shihuahuaco ( _Dipteryx odorata_ ), Pashaco ( _Macrolobium acaciifolium_ ), Huayruro ( _Ormisa macrocalyx_ ), Capirona ( _Calycophyllum spruceanum_ ) and Mahogany ( _Swietenia macrophylla_ ). **Germination bed setup:** Creating ideal conditions for early-stage growth. **Soil and fertiliser mixing:** Balancing nutrients for healthy saplings. **Safe transplanting:** Minimising root damage while moving seedlings into grow bags. **Nursery maintenance:** Pest control, pruning, and day-to-day upkeep. For many participants, this “taster day” was their first exposure to reforestation as a viable career. ## **Building Skills for Sustainable Futures** In 2024, we hosted three hands-on workshop sessions across our community-run nurseries in Nueva Esperanza, Ucayali. It offered a glimpse into a possible future—one of greater financial independence and environmental stewardship. Women from Huánuco also participated, with transport provided to make sure those from remote villages could attend. Through the workshops, the women gained the skills and confidence to manage tree nurseries. This prepared them for employment opportunities, both with Plant Your Future and within the region’s expanding reforestation sector. _Kelly Tangoa working in the tree nursery, Nueva Esperanza, Ucayali_ 12 Registered Charity England No. 1134720 - www.plantyourfuture.org.uk ## **Women In Agroforestry** ## Women in Agroforestry: Leydy and Priscilla We know that there’s still a lot to be done to achieve gender equality in the world. Leydy speaks passionately about her work, stating: That’s why, through our education programmes, we offer women the chance to develop their knowledge and skills in agroforestry and sustainable land management. The aim is to help them find job security and financial independence. “This is an incredible opportunity for me, and a meaningful way to help the environment. I take great joy in watching the plants thrive and in caring for them.” ## **Leydy: From Casual Labourer to Nursery Lead** ## **Priscilla: How Education Changed Everything** Leydy Liliana Hernandez Flores lived in Nueva Esperanza, a rural Amazonian village surrounded by degraded cattle ranches. As a single mother of two young daughters, Linda and Briana, she faced an uncertain future, struggling to find work that would allow her to stay close to home while providing financial stability. That changed when she joined our Women’s Nursery Apprenticeship Scheme in 2023. With a stipend and hands-on training, Leydy gained the technical skills to manage a tree nursery—learning how to care for delicate saplings and improve their survival rates. Her dedication and natural talent quickly set her apart. By April 2024, Leydy had graduated from the programme and secured a full-time role at the nursery. Today, she earns a steady income, supports her daughters, and plays a key role in restoring her community’s forests. Before joining Plant Your Future, Priscilla Yaber Hermintano was feeling discouraged, struggling to make ends meet in her village of Neshuya, Ucayali. But in August 2023, Plant Your Future established a new community tree nursery in Pueblo Libre. And Priscilla would become one of the first women to complete our Women’s Scholarship Programme. During her apprenticeship, Priscilla’s natural skill and careful root management dramatically improved our sapling survival rates. She came to be recognised for her delicate yet precise technique, drawing admiration from her colleagues. Priscilla proved to be a capable worker and a natural talent. She now has the skills and knowledge she needs to build both a career and a future in the green economy. 13 Registered Charity England No. 1134720 - www.plantyourfuture.org.uk re **Women In Agroforestry** ## Building futures: Women in Agroforestry Our female participants show exceptional skill and dedication to their work. They leave our training with more confidence and many go on to become full-time employees with Plant Your Future. tk ie met © 8 > Pion YourFuTUR _Group photo of Planta tu Futuro team member and workshop leader Pablo with group of women at the women’s tree nursery workshop in Nueva Esperanza. July 2024, Ucayali_ _Priscilla (right) at of the Women’s Tree Nursery Scholarship Ceremony pose with their certificates. April 2024, Ucayali_ A 14 Registered Charity England No. 1134720 - www.plantyourfuture.org.uk _Hugo Vasquez pruning his cocoa trees in his agroforestry system in Ucayali_ ## Pruning farmers strike a balance between nature, productivity, and long-term sustainability. In the Amazon, every tree planted is a step toward restoring the rainforest. But planting is just the beginning. To truly thrive, trees need care, attention, and space to grow tall and strong. ## **Our Two Styles of Pruning** We start pruning very soon after planting, carrying out both low- and high-level pruning according to the growth and needs of the trees. That’s where pruning comes in—a strategic, science-backed agroforestry practice. Pruning begins once the trees are three years and older. When done right, it shapes forests that are healthier, more resilient, and more profitable for farmers. ## **Why Prune?** ## **Low-level pruning: strength and sustainability** Low-level pruning happens at the base of the tree. Here, we remove weaker branches as a corrective practice, helping the tree conserve energy and focus on growing tall and straight. In the Amazon, trees don’t always grow in perfect harmony. Branches tangle, light gets blocked, and some trees can struggle to reach their full potential. In agroforestry, straighter trunks also mean higher commercial value, which opens up more opportunities for farmers down the line. ## **High-level pruning: letting the light in** But pruning gives each tree the space and structure it needs to thrive. And it also feeds into the functioning of the ecosystem as a whole. Where low-level pruning is corrective and reinforcing, high-level pruning focuses on shaping and optimizing tree growth. Because in silvopasture models, livestock graze among these trees. And while the trees do need to grow strong and tall, they should also be at a height where the cattle can feed from. As with all our work, it’s about helping This helps improve structural integrity, enhance light penetration, and promote healthier, more resilient trees. This kind of pruning requires specialised tools— telescopic pruners, strimmers, secateurs—and harnesses and chainsaws for the tallest trees. 15 Registered Charity England No. 1134720 - www.plantyourfuture.org.uk **Pruning** The safety of our foresters is paramount, and our teams undergo rigorous training to handle high-level pruning safely and responsibly. And in 2024, our teams pruned thousands of trees across Ucayali and Loreto: - **Ucayali:** 29 hectares, 18,425 trees ## **Benefits Beyond Tree Growth** - **Loreto:** 43.37 hectares , 23,466 trees In nature, there’s no such thing as waste. And while pruning keeps trees growing healthy and strong, it’s also a great way to recycle nutrients. For example, the branches and leaves pruned from the guaba tree (Inga edulis) are nitrogenrich and make excellent mulching materials, which can be spread on the forest floor as fertiliser. The fruit that the trees produce is also a healthy addition to the cattle’s diet. In this way, not only does pruning control and facilitate growth, it also it also feeds nutrients back into the ecosystem. For farmers, that means stronger, healthier trees that produce fruit, have higher commercial value, and contribute to a more profitable, sustainable holding. _Above: High-level pruning with specialised equipment_ _Below: Angela Flores Lozano low-level pruning a Shihuahuaco tree, Ucayali_ And for the ecosystem, it means denser, more resilient forests that regenerate degraded soils and support biodiversity. ## **In 2024, we carried out low-level pruning across three regions:** - **Huánuco:** 11 smallholdings = 22.2 hectares, 13,955 guaba trees, 10,980 cocoa trees **Ucayali:** 11 smallholdings = 21.5 hectares, 12,810 guaba trees, 8855 cocoa trees **Loreto:** 16 smallholdings = 24.95 hectares, 19,804 guaba trees, 2505 cocoa trees 16 Registered Charity England No. 1134720 - www.plantyourfuture.org.uk **Grafting** Grafting ## Grafting Grafting is a powerful way to improve cocoa production. In grafting, farmers fuse a cutting (scion) from a high-yielding, disease-resistant variety onto a strong, locally adapted rootstock. Grafting helps farmers grow trees that produce more cocoa, more quickly, and which are more resilient to the Amazon’s challenging conditions. ## **Why We Graft** Native cocoa varieties are well suited to the Amazon, but they take longer to bear fruit and produce lower yields. With grafting, farmers can produce high quality cocoa under more practical conditions. For our farmers, grafting means: - **Faster fruiting** : Cocoa production can start 2-3 years sooner. - **Higher yields** : More and better-quality pods from each tree. - **Stronger resistance** : Local rootstocks withstand the climate, while the grafted variety resists pests and disease. - **Sustainable growth** : Farmers increase productivity without expanding their land, protecting forests from further deforestation. ## **How It Works** We use a lateral grafting method—where a scion is inserted into a precise incision on the side of an existing tree. This approach has a high success rate, allows farmers to improve trees without starting from seedlings, and is easy to learn with training. Many farmers choose to graft the CCN51 variety, which is fast-growing and diseaseresistant. Others opt for high-quality aromatic cocoa varieties, which fetch higher prices in specialty markets. ## **Our Grafting in 2024** This year, we worked with farmers in three regions, grafting over 8,700 cocoa trees across 51.66 hectares, including in: - **Huánuco:** 9.96 ha and 1,626 trees **Loreto:** 12.95 ha and 2,720 trees - **Ucayali:** 28.75 ha and 4,401 trees ## **Supporting Farmers with Training and Resources** Plant Your Future provides the training, materials, and technical support needed to make grafting successful. Our Farmer Field Schools offer hands-on sessions where farmers learn proper grafting techniques, aftercare, and how to monitor tree health. We also supply improved scions and fund local expert grafters to help with the process. This way, farmers increase their cocoa yields while building a more secure and sustainable future that keeps the Amazon’s forests standing. 17 Registered Charity England No. 1134720 - www.plantyourfuture.org.uk ## New Seed Bank Development _Our new seed bank, the first of its kind in the Peruvian Amazon_ **In the heart of our operations, at the edge of Tierra Roja, Ucayali, a new structure is emerging.** **Soon, it will be home to thousands of native and endangered Amazon seeds, securing the future of Peru’s rainforest like never before.** The future of forests isn’t just in planting trees, but in protecting the seeds from which they grow. produce seeds during the January–February wet season. But they need at least five months in the nursery to grow into saplings, clashing with the hot, dry season when planting isn’t feasible. In the face of all these challenges, it was clear that our teams needed a more efficient and sustainable solution. ## **The Region’s First Functional Seed Bank** But seed preservation requires cool, dry conditions—everything that the Amazon isn’t. In the regions where we work, the lack of infrastructure to store and preserve native tree seeds has long been a barrier to largescale reforestation. Until now, our teams have had to collect fresh seeds directly from the trees, planting them quickly to retain their viability. But the journey between the rainforest and our nurseries is long, which can expose the seeds to heat, moisture and delays. Seasonal restrictions also cause challenges. For example, species like Marupa ( _Simarouba amara_ ) and Anallu Caspi ( _Cordia alliodora_ ), With over 15 years working in the Peruvian Amazon, we knew the seed bank needed to be designed with practicality in mind. With the help of Dr. Toby Parkes, we planned for a low-tech, climate-resilient facility that could stand up to the challenges of working in this incredible, but unforgiving region. Dr. Parkes is a Plant Your Future Trustee and former researcher at Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank. His experience has helped us to build the region’s first off-grid, solar-powered seed bank, designed to store and process seeds under controlled conditions. 18 Registered Charity England No. 1134720 - www.plantyourfuture.org.uk **New Seed Bank Development** ## **How the Seed Bank Supports Reforestation** By preserving seeds under optimal conditions, the seed bank: - **Breaks bottlenecks in reforestation** : - Farmers will no longer be limited to planting during short seasonal windows. - **Increases genetic diversity** : By sourcing seeds from a wider range of trees, we strengthen forest resilience. - **Protects endangered species** : Species like Shihuahuaco ( _Dipteryx micrantha_ ), Spanish Mahogany ( _Swietenia macrophylla_ ), and Cedar ( _Cedrela odorata_ ) can now be preserved. keep the seeds cool and dry, while a nearby well will ensure year-round water access, adding to the rainwater collected in our water tower. With this project nearing completion, we’re closer than ever to overcoming one of the biggest logistical barriers to reforestation in the Peruvian Amazon. Because once operational, we’ll be able to scale reforestation efforts across Ucayali and beyond. And with our smallholder farmers trained to run the seed bank, they’ll take full ownership of the project and in their roles as stewards for the land. - **Reduces waste** : Seeds that would otherwise be lost due to transport delays or nursery constraints can now be stored and used when needed. "Seed banking has the power to transform reforestation efforts in the Amazon, providing a reliable supply of quality seeds while preserving genetic diversity. It’s exciting to see this knowledge being applied in such a practical and impactful way." _In the first half of 2025, we’ll be equipping the lab and installing solar panels_ – Dr. Toby Parkes ## **Storing Seeds for Sowing Change** Because the site is completely off-grid, we’ve designed it to be energy-independent and sustainably managed. Solar panels will provide the power needed to We want to express our heartfelt thanks to all those who helped to make this project a reality. From the smallest of donations to the many contributions made through Frances Tophill’s BBC Radio 4 Appeal, every act of generosity secures a more sustainable future at the local, national, and international scale. 19 Registered Charity England No. 1134720 - www.plantyourfuture.org.uk ## Outdoor Clothes Donation **In August 2024, our team brought a shipment of essential outdoor clothing from the UK to the Peruvian Amazon, made possible by the generosity of Stow Outdoors and the Rohan "Gift Your Gear" programme.** _The donation provides our farmers with appropriate outdoor gear with which to face any weather_ We are deeply grateful to Stow Outdoors and Rohan Clothing for standing with us and the communities we serve. Stow Outdoors carefully selected gear designed for rainforest and farming conditions—built to withstand intense heat, humidity, and heavy rain. Friends of Plant Your Future carried the clothing in a large suitcase during their travel from the UK to Peru. Their support ensured the items reached our team and the farmers who spend long hours outdoors in tough conditions. We marked the occasion with a celebration in Ucayali, welcoming the new farming families who joined our programme in 2024. Every family received clothing, reinforcing their role in restoring the Amazon and building a more sustainable future. The farmers and field staff were delighted to receive the shipment. In remote Amazonian communities, high-quality outdoor gear is hard to access, and this donation made a real difference. _Families receiving high-quality gear_ 20 Registered Charity England No. 1134720 - www.plantyourfuture.org.uk **Farmer Case Study** Grafting ## Farmer Case Study: Gladys Muñoz **Gladys is one of our smallholder farmers in Nueva Requena, Ucayali. She moved to the region fourteen years ago and began ranching and basic crop cultivation but quickly found that it wasn’t sustainable.** For as long as she can remember, Gladys Muñoz Otero has wanted to plant trees. ## “When I was younger, I even dreamed of studying forestry or agronomy.” But like many smallholder farmers in the Amazon, she had to prioritise making a living. With support from our team, Gladys gained hands-on experience in: - **Planting native tree species** like Shihuahuaco ( _Dipteryx micrantha_ ) and Spanish Cedar ( _Cedrela odorata_ ), blending short-term crops with long-term forestry. - **Enriching the soil using mulching and fertilisation** techniques, increasing both productivity and sustainability. ## **Designing her farm to welcome wildlife** , - creating a landscape where birds, monkeys, and pollinators could return. Her land had been farmed for years, and over time, the soil became depleted. **Each harvest yielded less, and the forest that once surrounded her farm was shrinking.** Wildlife, once abundant, had all but disappeared. Still, Gladys never stopped believing there had to be another way. One that wouldn’t cost her the earth. ## **Finding a Way to Farm Differently** When Gladys joined Plant Your Future’s agroforestry programme, **everything changed.** She learned how to restore soil fertility, plant native trees alongside crops, and bring biodiversity back to her farm. Instead of exhausting her land season after season, she began working with it—building a system that would sustain her family for generations to come. _Gladys Muñoz with one of her Marupa trees on her holding in Nueva Requena, Ucayali_ 21 Registered Charity England No. 1134720 - www.plantyourfuture.org.uk **Farmer Case Study** Grafting ## **A Path to the Future** Today, Gladys’ farm looks very different. With each passing season, she sees the impacts of her hard work. First, that **biodiversity is returning.** Where her land was once quiet, the sounds of nature are returning. Monkeys swing through the trees, birds nest in the branches, and pollinators thrive among the flowering plants. By planting a mix of native trees and crops, Gladys has restored an environment where wildlife can flourish once again. **Her family’s income is more secure.** With healthier soil and better farming techniques, Gladys is growing more food and earning a more stable income. Her daughters now have more opportunities for education— **a future that once felt uncertain is now within reach.** And now, **she’s inspiring others.** Seeing the transformation on her farm, neighbours are taking notice. More farmers in her community are beginning to explore agroforestry, recognising that they don’t have to choose between making a living and restoring the land—they can do both. Gladys’ journey is proof that **with the right support, farmers can regenerate their land,** strengthen their livelihoods, and create a lasting impact for future generations. “I feel very happy to be part of the Plant Your Future project because they are supporting us with saplings and technical assistance. Thanks to this, I feel proud to have my plants, which are growing beautifully.” ## **A Legacy That Grows** Gladys once dreamed of planting trees. Now, not only has her dream come true, but she’s also **creating a farm that will sustain her family and inspire her community for generations to come** . And thanks to supporters like you, more farmers like Gladys are reclaiming their livelihoods, their land, and their love for it. _Gladys can finally realise her dream and build a sustainable future for her family_ 22 Registered Charity England No. 1134720 - www.plantyourfuture.org.uk ## Financial Summary _As part of her new silvopasture approach, Karina Huamantoma Padilla looks over a recently planted row of saplings on her land in Huanuco_ We’ve seen continued financial growth year-on-year, with the help of our supporters: |**Year**|**2021**|**2022**|**2023**|**2024**| |---|---|---|---|---| |Income|£193,152|£291,390|£371,035|£378,395| |Expenditure|£148,028|£287,376|£356,069|£274,273| |Funds Carried Over|£45,125|£124,888|£139,854|£243,976| 23 Registered Charity England No. 1134720 - www.plantyourfuture.org.uk Financial Statement 24 Registered Charity England No. 1134720 - www.plantyourfuture.org.uk Financial Statement 25 Registered Charity England No. 1134720 - www.plantyourfuture.org.uk References and Administration ~~aD~~ ## **Registered charity name:** Plant your Future ## **Registered Charity Number (England and Wales):** 1134720 **Registered address:** Wood View, Combe, Witney, Oxon, OX29 8NQ **Website:** www.plantyourfuture.org.uk **Twitter:** www.twitter.com/plantfutureperu **Facebook:** www.facebook.com/PlantYourFuture **Instagram:** www.instagram.com/plantyourfuture_peru **Registered Bank:** CAF Bank, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent, ME19 4JQ **Accountants:** Lewin Accounts Ltd, Mercury House, 19-21 Chapel Street, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 3HN **Pro-bono Legal Support:** Hogan Lovells ## Structure and Governance aD ## **Trustees** ## **Additional governance information:** Jennifer Henman - Chairman William Longden - (resigned March 2025) Toby Parkes - Trustee Alison Merifield - Secretary Tripurari Prasad - Treasurer Plant Your Future works closely with partner organisation ‘La Asociacion Civil Planta tu Futuro’ to implement activities in Peru, sharing the same mission and strategy. Type of governing document: Trust Deed How the charity is constituted: Trust Trustee selection methods: Appointed by existing trustees Board of Directors of ‘La Asociacion Civil Planta tu Futuro’ are: ## **Board Member & President:** Jennifer Henman **Board Members:** Luis Campos Baca, Jaime Fernandez-Baca 26 Registered Charity England No. 1134720 - www.plantyourfuture.org.uk ## Thank You! We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all who have made our work possible. It’s thanks to your help, that we’re able to carry out our work to restore the Amazon and alleviate poverty. Thank you for your generous support. ## Declaration The trustees declare that they have approved this trustees’ report. Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees Full name: Jennifer Henman Position: Chairman Date: 8th April 2025 27 Registered Charity England No. 1134720 - www.plantyourfuture.org.uk