We learn how he launched Trees, the world’s longest running environmental journal. Reading Hanley’s book, we get to know Baker, from the two-year-old gardener through to the elderly tree ambassador, who planted 90 trees on his ninetieth birthday. Baker’s organisation continues to this day, under the name the International Tree Foundation. Fighting for a diverse range of causes, these organisations are united under one banner the protection of nature and the environment. As Hanley recounts, Baker was instrumental as a co-founder of “The Men of the Trees”, one of the world’s first international environmental NGO (or ENGO) which has, of course, given rise to numerous others, TFT included. Some of those people he inspired went on, carrying a torch, whether they knew it or not, that was lit centuries ago.īut it’s not only individuals that owe much to the Man of the Trees, but environmental organisations themselves. To date, it is estimated that over 1 million hectares of vulnerable forests are likely to be saved from conversion to palm oil, and that over 300,000 hectares are already permanently protected through our palm oil members’ concessions.īaker’s contagious love of trees and forests has led to thousands, some say millions of trees planted across the world. Today, Baker’s life mission of saving forests continues to inspire our own work on achieving zero deforestation across supply chains from timber to palm oil. Scott was just one of many people who were inspired by Baker’s unique blend of science, poetry and storytelling, which captivated audiences around the world. It was his radio broadcast back in 1979 that inspired a 15-year-old Scott Poynton to take up forestry and eventually launch TFT in 1999. Barbe Baker, the First Global Conservationist.Īt The Forest Trust, we care deeply about trees, and that’s in no small way thanks to Baker. Dubbed the “Man of the Trees” by an Australian broadcaster, who also jested that he would someday marry one, Baker is the figure behind the modern environmental movement, as Paul Hanley writes in a new biography: Man of the Trees: Richard St.

Barbe Baker certainly knew that and spent his life planting them, protecting them and inspiring others to do the same. Whether you know it or not, they are a part of your everyday life. As of January 2019, The Forest Trust has become Earthworm Foundation.

Man of the Trees by Paul Hanley