The search engine Ecosia, which is described as environment-friendly company for planting a tree for every search entered into its site, has identified a forest in Aklan as the first site of its project in the Philippines.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, March 30, the Berlin-based website said it has already made partnership with local non-government organizations for planting of as many trees in Panipiason, Madalag, Aklan.

Ecosia said it identified native trees such as abaca (Musa textilis) for its project, saying the reason is that native trees naturally grows in the upland forests of Panipiason. In the case of abaca, it stated that it provides livelihood opportunity for the local residents.

“The Akeanon-Bukidnon indigenous peoples of Aklan have long relied on the harvest and trade of abaca fibers from the abaca plant as a major source of income,” Ecosia said.

“The planting of native trees in their landscape will not only diversify the landscape, but lead to healthier forests and sustained livelihoods for communities,” it added.

The Ecosia is an environment-friendly search engine, in which profits are being used to plant trees worldwide. It was launched in December 2009 and has planted over 60 million trees since June 2019.