In many parts of the developing world, forested land is rapidly giving way to expanding farms and cities. This shrinkage of forests results in increased soil erosion, decreased soil moisture storage capacity and decreased humidity in the region. These phenomena have a cascade effect through the region's ecosystems and environment, leading to increased temperature, altered rainfall patterns and weaker soil profiles.

The Paulownia tree provides a unique and ideal solution to this problem. It is a fast growing hardwood tree, capable of attaining a height of 6-7m in the first year. The large leaves, which can attain sizes of up to 80cm in the first year, provide shade and decreased temperature and, once they molt, enrich the soil.

Paulownia requires very little from the grower and can be readily intercropped. If properly cared for, a single tree will yield one cubic meter of high quality wood in 8-10 years; a new stem will then shoot from the roots, allowing a single plantation to be harvested several times. For more detailed information about Paulownia email us or download our brochure ( high resolution version [warning: 9MB file] also available in french).