socialtours.com launched in June the carbon offsetting project in Putubiw, a small village in Ghana. Trees are being planted to offset the carbon footprint caused by the travel of volunteers who came via United Planet to Ghana. Of course, some were planted in excess. The chief of Putubiw has also promised some land to develop an offset forest for this purpose. No. of trees planted to date: 110

The idea is to utilise this carbon offset program to generate income for the village to meet its developmental priorities. Once the project matures, it will be launched in the internet as a viable carbon offsetting service provider, allowing visitors to offset their carbon footprint through planting trees.

The same concept will also be launched in Nepal, making socialtours.com an active player in the involvement of tourism in natuer conservation and climate change.

One of the toughest challengs facing tree planting, is knowing that the tree will be looked after and will survive until the time that it can make an impact against climate change. Working with communities is essential for this to happen. We are also debating an idea to join forces with the government agencies and launch a total package for all travellers to Nepal and Ghana, making travel to these countries green by offsetting all carbon emmission.

By the way, we are also member of Tree Nation. Check their website by clicking on the link below 

<a href="http://www.tree-nation.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.tree-nation.com/img/tn_stw/tree-nation-badge_100.gif"></a>