Yes. WeReforest e.V. is a non-profit organization dedicated to reforestation. In light of the challenges faced by German forests in recent years—approximately 500,000 hectares needing to be replanted—the organization supports forest owners in tackling this multi-generational task and funds sustainable reforestation projects.

Commercial forests are typically actively managed, involving regular maintenance and harvesting. Through targeted management, forest owners can control the structure and composition of the forest to optimize tree growth and ensure maximum timber production.

When sustainably managed, commercial forests intentionally cultivate fast-growing tree species and regularly harvest trees to make room for new growth. During the growth process, trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and store it as carbon in their wood and in the forest floor. When harvested, the stored carbon in the wood can remain sequestered for extended periods in the form of wood products.

Targeted management and intensive utilization of commercial forests can contribute to optimizing CO2 sequestration, particularly when sustainable practices are employed to promote forest growth and health.

This question can only be answered roughly:

• The average timber stock in German forests is approximately 336m3/hectare.
• The basic density of wood varies depending on the tree species, ranging between 400 and 680kg/m3, with an average of approximately 530kg/m3 for the mix of tree species in German forests.
• An average cubic meter of forest wood contains approximately 265kg of carbon, with the photosynthesis process that produced it having sequestered approximately 1 ton of CO2 from the atmosphere.
• Consequently, approximately 320 tons of CO2 are sequestered in a hectare of forest in Germany.

However, for the actual CO2-reducing effect of the forest, it's not the CO2 stored in the timber stock that is decisive, but rather the ongoing growth. This growth initially increases the standing timber stock in our forests. Since the timber stock cannot be increased indefinitely and the lifespan of each tree is finite, it is advisable to use it sustainably before the bound CO2 is released again through decomposition processes. Using wood in durable products (e.g., timber construction) binds the climate-damaging CO2 in the long term. However, the short-term use of the renewable resource wood, e.g., for heating or as an industrial raw material, has a climate-positive effect, as long as it saves fossil fuels and resources.

Forest owners commit to implementing the measures professionally or through qualified third parties. After implementation, WeReforest e.V. or appointed representatives conduct on-site inspections.

The planted forests are commercial forests. Forest owners contractually commit to managing the forest in accordance with the project objectives of WeReforest e.V. for a minimum of 20 years.

Yes. In Germany applies: for donations under 300 euros, donors do not need proof of donation or a donation receipt for their tax return. A simple proof, such as a bank statement, is sufficient. Therefore, you will automatically receive a donation receipt for donations of 300 euros or more, or upon request from us. Please use the green button on our donation page to receive a receipt.

After the first meeting of the WeReforest expert commission on August 30, 2023, the first projects were approved. Implementation is planned for the upcoming planting season. We anticipate that the first hectares will be planted in spring and autumn 2024 as part of this year's application round.

Private and municipal forest and landowners with sustainable concepts for their stable future forest.

The selection and prioritization of applications are the responsibility of the WeReforest Expert Commission, consisting of six respected experts in the fields of economics, forestry, and environmental protection. Members include at least one private forest manager, one public forest manager, and a representative from the field of science. This year's expert commission can be found here. 

Measures that promise ecological, qualitative, or temporal advantages compared to gradual reforestation or natural forest development are supported.

The project focuses exclusively on Germany. We emphasize the development of sustainable forests "right on our doorstep," ensuring transparency and the possibility of local verification.

Certainly. By supporting the association, you can make an effective contribution to climate, soil, water, and biodiversity protection. Instead of communicating results in CO2 equivalents, we focus on the number of trees planted, ensuring the traceability and traceability of the plantings.

Certainly. Companies can integrate WeReforest e.V. and its projects into their sustainability strategy, as their support enables them to make an effective contribution to climate, soil, water, and biodiversity protection. Instead of communicating results in CO2 equivalents, we focus on the number of trees planted, ensuring the traceability and traceability of the plantings. We welcome your interest and invite you to contact us via our contact form, and we will be in touch with you shortly.