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Cardboard donuts

The tree planting project in the Atacama Desert has found a way to reclaim these lands, by planting trees in a clever ‘Cocoon’. The circular biodegradable cardboard structure can hold up to 25 litres of water, which the young tree can live off of as its roots grow. Up to 90% of trees planted in one of these cardboard ‘donuts’ survive, even during droughts. Overall, the Cocoon method uses five times less water than irrigation.

Country:

The tree planting project in the Atacama Desert has found a way to reclaim these lands, by planting trees in a clever 'Cocoon'. The circular biodegradable cardboard structure can hold up to 25 litres of water, which the young tree can live off of as its roots grow. Up to 90% of trees planted in one of these cardboard 'donuts' survive, even during droughts. Overall, the Cocoon method uses five times less water than irrigation.

Water use efficiency

Main theme:

European

Region:

400 - 500

Precipitation (mm):

Low

Application difficulty:

6, 11, 12, 13 and 16

SDGs impacted:

Solar

Energy used:

70 - 90

Efficiency (%):

Urban/Rural

Sector:

Water conservation and vegetation cover

Expected environmental impact:

$10 each

Estimated value:

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