OUR MISSION at ROOTS FOR CHANGE
WHO WE ARE
Roots for Change is a 1101(a)(2), 501(c)(3), Puerto Rican nonprofit organization focused on building tropical food forests in order to raise the local farming wages and combat food insecurity. Fruit and nut trees have the power to not only address a warming climate but to empower communities to build soil, preserve biodiversity and foster a cleaner, healthier ecosystem and economic environment for generations to come.
BIODIVERSITY AND CLIMATE BENEFITS
Trees act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 and reducing the effects of climate change. Planting a variety of fruit and nut trees improves habitat quality for the local wildlife, plants, insects, and fungi, dependent on fragile ecosystems. Building a diverse, intercropped tropical food forest will ensure the bees, butterflies and birds all have a healthy home to flourish and pollinate.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Job opportunities provided by planting a tropical food forest will build a whole new agrotourism model for Puerto Rico. This new industry will provide pathways for sustainable long lasting economic development, raising the wages for local family farmers, making sure the youth and future generations have a platform for regenerative agriculture to combat the massive food insecure islands. Trees also help reduce stress and anxiety, and allow us all to reconnect with nature.
WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS
Fruit trees capture rain water and reduce the risk of natural disasters like floods and land slides as well as provide fresh, healthy, nutritious food to our friends and families. Tree root systems act as filters, removing pollutants from the soil.
