To mark the 40th anniversary of the founding of Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) by Fr Pedro Arrupe, JRS Asia Pacific is launching a yearlong environmental campaign that aims to increase cultural rootedness and strengthen marginal communities whose survival depends on the sustainability of their natural resources.

“Growing Canopies, Strengthening Communities” is in collaboration with the Reconciliation with Creation Network, Jesuit Companions in Indigenous Ministry, and the Young Adult Ministry of the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific (JCAP). Partner communities in Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand are aiming to grow at least 40,000 trees to strengthen their social and ecological systems.

The future of these communities is at stake. Their forced displacement has led to urgent protection concerns,” says JRS Asia Pacific Director Louie Bacomo.

For many years, community activists in Cambodia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia have suffered persecution defending their community’s survival and natural environment. The communities are pushed to abandon their homes where they have lived for generations.

The cultural and environmental integrity of these communities is being pressured, threatened, and disrespected. We are called to an ecological conversion and live a life that respects and promotes integral ecology and care for our common home,” says Bacomo.

A donation of at least US$1 will assure the growth of one native tree. JCAP has also committed to matching the amount of funds raised by the project.

To donate, visit https://apr.jrs.net/en/donate. The project will run until 31 December 2021.