The Kogi people of Northern Columbia have been sending the same message to the West for years. It’s a familiar refrain here at Fifteen Trees, and one we wholeheartedly endorse: ‘The world doesn’t have to end; it could go on but unless we stop violating the Earth and nature, depleting the Great Mother of her material energy, her organs, her vitality; unless people stop working against the Great Mother, the world will not last.’

We could not agree more. We are so pleased to be partnering with a small business that has taken this message on as its guiding philosophy. Koguis, established since 2010, trades in handcrafted fair trade goods from Colombia. Their products include clothing, homewares, jewellery and more, all responsibly sourced and artisan made. Over the past 4 years, Koguis has planted 360 native trees with Fifteen Trees, in a direct extension of their fair trade ethos.

Mornington Peninsula, VIC | 125 trees | 2024

On World Environment Day (June 5th), Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation along with a group of volunteers, and Fifteen Trees attended a tree planting day at Somers, (traditional land of the Bunurong people) to plant 600 native trees, of which 125 trees were generously sponsored by Koguis.

Some of the trees planted included; Drooping Sheoak, Coastal Banksia, Messmate, Swamp Gum, Coastal Manna Gum, Narrow-leafed Peppermint, Black Wattle, Blackwood, Scented and Swamp Paperbark and Silky Hakea. By planting a wide variety of locally native plant species at our revegetation projects, we can help restore habitats that would have existed prior to land clearing. This means that the native flora is able to regenerate, and the local wildlife can return to the trees to use them as food sources and habitat.

Here’s a few reasons why this project is so important:

• Recent research from Deakin University suggests that the koala population has been negatively impacted by the highly fragmented nature of habitat on the Mornington Peninsula.
• By providing a wildlife corridor it will allow animals including koalas to move safely, to reach vital food resources and help maintain viable populations.
• Without this, koala populations will inevitably continue to decline, become isolated and may face local extinction.

Upper Goulburn Valley, VIC | 115 trees | 2023

This year’s trees were planted by the Scale family and the Upper Goulburn Intrepid Landcare Group (UGILG) at Koriella in the Goulburn Valley, VIC. The site was formerly occupied by the Taungurung aboriginal group.

This is a permanent biodiversity planting site to enhance the native vegetation in the district. The plantings have taken place in a protected area linking waterways at the site. These trees will provide increased habitat for native birds and animals. They will also help control water erosion from cleared steeper areas and drainage lines.

Thank you very much for providing the plants for this project. These trees will enhance the biodiversity of the district and provide habitat for native birds and animals.

Chris Cobern | Landcare Facilitator & Project Officer | Upper Goulburn Landcare Network

Yea, VIC | 100 trees | 2022

Koguis trees (100) were planted in the Yea district by Chris Cobern and members of the Upper Goulburn Landcare Network.

With the help of volunteers from ANZ Bank we planted 100 indigenous plants kindly provided by supporters of Fifteen Trees into an area on a farm that has been fenced off from stock by the landowner. The landowner is working hard to restore parts of his land back to its original native state.

The morning started out in thick fog, but the sun broke through eventually and it was a great day for everyone involved.

Chris Cobern |Landcare Facilitator & Project Officer | Upper Goulburn Landcare Network

Friends of Fifteen Trees | 60 trees | 2021

Diana and Koguis joined Friends of Fifteen Trees this year with a purchase of 60 trees. Here is the link to those trees.

By backing fair trade businesses, we can quite literally make the world a better place. Producers who are paid fairly for their work and supported to form sustainable partnerships are in a much better position to care for their environment. As the Kogi might put it, we need to stop working against the Great Mother, and start working with her. Koguis is one business who is certainly doing that, both through their international trading practices and right here in Australia.

We want to support tree planting projects as is our duty to restore the suffering planet, for us and for our kids and the future of all. We can reverse the damage, if we act fast. We are very concerned about climate change.

Diana | Founder | Koguis

Fair trade products can make a life-changing difference to the lives of communities around the world. We might assume that all trade would be based on transparency, respect, sustainability and equality, but unfortunately this is definitely not the case. International trade regularly takes advantage of already marginalised communities, ignores environmental impacts, and contributes to shocking working conditions for those with the least power to do anything about it.

If you are also interested in how your business and Fifteen Trees could work together, contact Colleen at <[email protected]> and ask for a proposal.

Writer – Sarah Hart.

Sarah is an artist whose passions include the stories and experiences of women and narrative driven work. Her aim is to delight, to reveal glimpses of everyday beauty and to celebrate flights of the ordinary. Sarah works across a range of media, with an abiding interest in pen and ink, mixed media and the human form. You can find Sarah here.