WHAT WE DO
Just Plant are focused on where we can bring the most change and positive impact; Africa. We work with local communities and use nature-based phytoremediation techniques to restore land damaged by illegal mining and human activity, on the restored land we train these local communities sustainable adaptive farming techniques to produce staple crops for local consumption as part of a nationwide food security program. The benefits of restoring the African ecosystem has emence effects on global ecosystems, nature, wildlife and billions of humans whilst providing invaluable support in the global fight against climate change. We have a simple 2 step 360° holistical approach to the fight against climate change.
1. Restoring Land and Water Bodies: We strategically plant Moso Bamboo and a variety of indigenous trees and phytoremediation flora on land damaged by illegal mining. By restoring these ecosystems, we're not only reversing the damage caused by illegal activities but also helping cool down the planet. Our efforts generate 1000s of jobs and restore and sustain the livelihoods of millions.
2. Ensuring Food Security: Once the land damaged by illegal mining is restored, we plant staple crops and high-importation foodstuffs to support a nationwide food security program. By cultivating resilient crops locally, we're reducing dependency on food imports, strengthening local economies, and ensuring food security for all.
1. Restoring Land and Water Bodies: Afforestation, Reforestation & Phytoremediation JustPlant’s project encompasses a range of impactful activities, including afforestation, reforestation, revegetation, agricultural land management, improved forest management, reduced emissions from deforestation and degradation, and wetlands restoration and conservation. The objective is to rejuvenate lands damaged by human activity, climate change, deforestation, and illegal mining, making them suitable for agriculture which will contribute significantly to the fight against climate change. To achieve this, JustPlant employs specific tree species to capture pollutants and restore rainforests, employing organic treatments to rejuvenate the soil.
Furthermore, we perform phytoremediation on damaged water bodies. Once the land is restored, we utilise it to support the food security program, farming the most suitable crops for the local environment. JustPlant collaborates with local communities in areas affected by galamsey and deforestation to access these lands for restoration and subsequent food security initiatives. Strategic tree planting for reforestation and afforestation are powerful tools in the global battle against climate change. The notion that trees should only be planted where they have existed in the past is a nuanced and ecologically sensitive perspective. Understanding the intricacies of this approach is crucial for effective climate mitigation and biodiversity preservation. Strategic planting is a multifaceted approach that goes beyond simply choosing where to plant trees. It encompasses a deep understanding of soil conditions, careful selection of tree species, consideration of biodiversity, and ongoing management practices. By following these principles and adapting to local conditions, we can ensure that the perfect balance of nutrients and water is created and distributed within the soil, supporting the growth of healthy and resilient tree plantations. This, in turn, maximises the benefits of sequestration, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable land management in the fight against climate change. Phytoremediation and soil rejuvenation represent vital technologies that employ living plants to cleanse contaminated soil, air, and water from hazardous substances. This cost-effective approach leverages the natural abilities of plants to concentrate and detoxify various elements and compounds in the environment. The term "phytoremediation" originates from the Greek "phyto" (plant) and Latin "remedium" (restoring balance), emphasising its restorative nature. Incorporating these principles into reforestation efforts helps create a balanced and sustainable ecosystem. By carefully managing nutrients and water within the soil, strategic planting aims to ensure that newly established tree plantations not only survive but thrive. This approach maximizes the benefits of sequestration, habitat restoration, and overall ecosystem health while contributing to the fight against climate change. One of the key aspects of phytoremediation is the ability of certain plants, known as hyperaccumulators, to bioaccumulate chemicals. While toxic heavy metals cannot be degraded, organic pollutants can be, and these are often the primary targets for phytoremediation. Numerous field trials have demonstrated the feasibility of using plants for environmental cleanup, making it a promising solution for contamination issues. In the context of JustPlants's climate change initiative, a variety of plants are selected to combat mercury contamination in water bodies and soil around illegal mining sites. Certain plants, such as mustard plants, alpine pennycress, hemp, and pigweed, have proven successful as hyperaccumulators of contaminants in toxic waste sites. Cocoyam plants exhibit excellent ability to remove mercury from contaminated soils and accumulate it further. The symbiotic fungus Metarhizium robertsii also exhibits remarkable phytoremediation properties. Other plants that have been utilised for phytoremediation of mercury include Bacopa monnieri (Smooth Water Hyssop), Brassica napus (Rapeseed plant), Eichhornia crassipes (Water Hyacinth), Hydrilla verticillata (Hydrilla), and Pistia stratiotes (Water Lettuce). Each plant species demonstrates unique effectiveness in absorbing mercury, contributing to a comprehensive approach to soil and water remediation. A detailed study analyzed the abilities of 53 plant species from 19 families to accumulate mercury from water. The analysis considered effect sizes (ln BCF), and the data revealed that the average effect size of all species was significantly greater than zero in various aquatic habitats, including laboratories, lakes, rivers, and seas. The Araceae family exhibited the highest average effect size in laboratories, while the Onagraceae family showed the lowest value in lakes. Moreover, 16 other families, including Cymodoceacea, Cyperaceae, Gracilariaceae, Haloragaceae, Hydrocharitaceae, Iridaceae, Juncaceae, Plantaginaceae, Poaceae, Polygonaceae, Pontederiaceae, Posidoniaceae, Potamogetonaceae, Salviniaceae, Typhaceae, and Ulvaceae, demonstrated significantly positive effects in absorbing mercury from water. Overall, 17 of the examined plant families exhibited significant potential for mercury absorption, making them essential contributors to successful phytoremediation efforts. By incorporating phytoremediation and soil rejuvenation as key components of our climate change initiative, JustPlant showcases a commitment to real, effective solutions for combating contamination and promoting a healthier environment. Through the use of carefully selected plants with hyperaccumulation capabilities, JustPlant addresses mercury pollution, aiding in the restoration of vital ecosystems and protecting communities from the harmful effects of toxic substances.
2. Ensuring Food Security: Food security is a fundamental aspect of a healthy and well-functioning society. Its purpose is to ensure a continuous and sustainable supply of nutritious food in abundance for every citizen. Emphasizing quality over quantity, food security focuses on clean, organic, and sustainable practices in soil, seed, fertilizers, and pesticides. Additionally, all foods and liquids consumed should be organic, non-processed, and free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). To achieve food security, it is essential to create seed banks of all local natural produce and train plants to yield the best-tasting and most nutritious crops. This can be accomplished by using natural fertilizers like dung, guano, and minerals like quartz to optimize soil conditions. Emphasizing organic pest repellents and redirective methods, rather than pesticides, helps protect crops naturally. The focus initially lies on staple crops, especially those heavily reliant on imports, such as rice, wheat, tomatoes, onions, and corn. Ghana's significant importation of agricultural products, which amounted to $2.6 billion in 2022, highlights the urgency of securing the nation's food supply and reducing the flight capital resulting from imports. The plan includes specific targets for each crop, like producing 300,000 tons of tomatoes, 2.5 million tons of cassava for consumption, 1 million tons of yam, 950,000 tons of rice, 44,683 tons of corn, 1.05 million tons of wheat, 87,000 tons of onions, and 1,000 tons of pepper annually. To achieve these targets, JustPlant aims to assist in producing all export numbers while employing local farmers nationwide. These farmers will be trained in organic and sustainable farming methods, eventually spreading the production techniques across the nation. The app-based monitoring system will help regulate food supplies and direct consumers to available produce, reducing food spoilage. The project's success will ensure the future generations' health, livelihoods, financial stability, job prospects, and ultimately, their liberty and human rights. Through the comprehensive implementation of this food security and reforestation program, Africa will be able to become more self-sufficient, reduce reliance on imports, promote sustainable farming practices, protect biodiversity, and create a healthier and thriving nation, a peiceless contribution to the global fight against climate change. JustPlant has comprehensively constructed the program to achieve food security in Ghana, ensuring the efficient use of water, land, and feed while maintaining a 100% organic and sustainable approach:
1. Water Management: JustPlant have carefully analyzed the water requirements for each crop to optimize water usage. They use advanced irrigation systems and techniques to ensure precise water delivery, minimizing wastage and maximizing crop yield. The app-based monitoring system helps track water consumption, allowing real-time adjustments based on crop needs and weather conditions. Additionally, JustPlant promote water conservation practices like rainwater harvesting and water recycling to further reduce water usage.
2. Land Utilization: The program employs efficient land utilization practices to maximize crop production. Detailed crop planning, including crop rotation and intercropping, ensures that each piece of land is used optimally, minimizing soil degradation and maintaining soil fertility. The focus on indigenous rainforest tree planting helps in reforestation efforts, restoring the land to its natural state.
3. Feed and Fertilizer Management: To maintain the program's 100% organic and sustainable approach, JustPlant use natural and organic fertilizers like dung, guano, and compost, ensuring a continuous supply of essential nutrients to the crops. Crop residues are recycled as mulch to enrich the soil and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers. Furthermore, the seed banks store high-quality seeds, which are naturally yielding the best-tasting and most nutritious crops, resulting in higher crop yields.
4. Organic Pest Management: JustPlant prioritize organic pest management techniques, avoiding the use of harmful pesticides. We employ natural pest repellents and redirective methods to protect crops, ensuring that no harmful chemicals are used in the farming process. This approach promotes a healthy and sustainable ecosystem while maintaining the quality and safety of the produce. 5. Research and Development: JustPlant invests in research and development to continuously improve farming practices and crop yields. The program runs experiments to determine the ideal soil pH level, water pH level, fertilizing mix and volume, watering schedule, and whether crops should be grown in poly tunnels or outdoors. These findings are integrated into the farming process to enhance efficiency and productivity
