Background

Reset Connect a leading force in the UK sustainability events industry, hosts conferences to help businesses and investors drive net-zero adoption and funding. While educating others is crucial for creating change, Reset Connect wanted to take it one step further this year. Instead of just talking about sustainability, they wanted to give their attendees something they could feel proud of—a tangible way to be part of the change. What did they do? They planted a tree for every attendee!

“Our company decided to partner with Treeapp due to their proven commitment to global reforestation and sustainability efforts. Treeapp’s alignment with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and their diverse global footprint made them an ideal partner for us. 

We were particularly inspired by their focus on both biodiversity and community engagement, ensuring that tree planting projects have long-lasting environmental and social impacts. This partnership allowed us to directly contribute to meaningful climate action, while engaging our event attendees in a tangible, impactful way.” – Duncan Reid, CEO & Co-Founder, Reset Connect.

Objectives and Goals

Reset Connect had a bold mission when they launched this initiative:

1. Support global reforestation and biodiversity restoration in regions that need it most.

2. Give event attendees a concrete way to contribute to climate action.

By planting a tree for every attendee, the goal was simple yet powerful: to “make a measurable positive impact on the environment while fostering a culture of sustainability within our organisation and community,” explains Duncan Reid.

This initiative didn’t just highlight Reset Connect’s commitment to climate action—it weaves sustainability into every level of their operations. And for the events industry, it’s clear that sustainability isn’t just a ‘nice-to-have’ anymore—it’s a must.

“This initiative perfectly aligns with our mission to drive climate action and sustainability within the events industry and beyond. At Reset Connect, we strive to lead by example, and partnering with Treeapp demonstrates our dedication to reducing carbon footprints and promoting environmental stewardship. Tree planting not only sequesters carbon emissions but also embodies our values of inclusivity, climate justice, and long-term ecological health, ensuring that our impact benefits both the environment and local communities.”

Results and Impact

Reset Connect’s collaboration with Treeapp resulted in the planting of 7,500 trees across Tanzania, Madagascar, and Kenya! Pause here for effect because that is pretty amazing!

The impact of these trees goes far beyond environmental benefits, as each project is deeply rooted in local community involvement.

Tanzania

Lushoto, Tanzania

In Tanzania, Reset Connect’s contribution has supported the restoration of the West Usambara forests, where reforestation efforts are crucial due to rampant deforestation for charcoal and farmland. The trees planted here are helping to restore soil fertility and prevent soil erosion, all while providing local communities with sustainable income through employment opportunities, with a specific focus on empowering the local female workforce. As Duncan puts it, “It’s more than just planting trees; it’s about regenerating ecosystems and livelihoods.”

Madagascar

Mariarano, Madagascar

On the coasts of Madagascar, the focus has been on planting mangroves. These coastal ecosystems serve as natural barriers, protecting shorelines from erosion and extreme weather. “By planting mangroves, we’re helping local communities protect their homes while also contributing to global carbon sequestration efforts,” Duncan explains. Mangroves are particularly effective at absorbing carbon, making them a key tool in the fight against climate change.

Kenya

Tudor Creek, Kenya

In Kenya, Reset Connect’s trees have helped restore the coastal ecosystems of Tudor Creek, a planting site that has now been completed. By replanting mangroves, they’ve provided essential habitats for fish, crabs, and birds, all of which support local fishing communities. The project also serves to stabilise the eroding coastline, protecting the livelihoods of those who live there. “Seeing the wildlife return to these areas is a powerful reminder of the difference we can make,” says Duncan.

Corporate-wise, this initiative has solidified Reset Connect’s standing as a leader in sustainability within the events sector. The partnership with Treeapp has resonated with attendees, partners, and stakeholders alike. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how much our community appreciates the tangible impact we’re making,” Duncan notes.

Lessons Learned

Reset Connect’s experience with Treeapp has been eye-opening, and Duncan has a few takeaways for other companies considering similar initiatives.

“First and foremost, find partners who share your values,” he says. “Treeapp’s transparency and alignment of projects with the SDGs and their careful attention to long-term sustainability made them a perfect partner.” Additionally, integrating sustainability initiatives into the core of their event ethos—rather than treating them as standalone projects—created more authentic and lasting engagement with attendees. 

“People want to feel like they’re making a real difference, and even small actions, like planting a tree, can have massive ripple effects,” Duncan adds.

Reset Connect’s partnership with Treeapp is a testament to the power of collaboration when it comes to fighting climate change. From improving biodiversity in Tanzania to protecting coastal communities in Madagascar and Kenya, the initiative shows how businesses can drive meaningful impact when they align their objectives with sustainability.

In Duncan’s words: “It’s been an incredible journey, and we’re just getting started.”