OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH REFORESTATION: From Eden Projects to Accelerated Restoration Collaborative

For Jamie Shattenberg, whom our church supports, the work of restoring lands and lives in Madagascar, in partnership with Eden Reforestation Projects, has been a deep passion for the past 17 years. Jamie opened Madagascar and was a key developer in building the "people first" reforestation approach for which Eden became globally recognized. In these years, Jamie and the Malagasy team, in partnership with Eden, have employed over 12,000 men and women and planted nearly 1,000,000,000 trees, which has had a massive economic impact on individuals and communities. This reforestation work has led to restoring critical habitats that sustain life as God intended. 

In 2023, the US-based Board of Directors of Eden Reforestation Projects shifted the direction of Eden Projects domestically and internationally. As a result, project nations have closed, numerous planting sites have halted, and thousands of employees in Madagascar have been terminated. In addition, many key leaders, Jamie included, have resigned. 

Jamie and Steve Fitch, along with several former key Eden leaders, have started a new organization, Accelerated Restoration Collaborative (ARC), which is partnering with the Shattenberg’s ministry, Red Island Restoration, to resume the original people-first employ-to-plant model. Jamie and Alissa are excited about going back to the basics with trusted friends, partnering with local communities through employment to reforest and restore habitats, while sharing the love, truth, and eternal hope of Christ!

Thank you for giving to Eden in the past. We recommend you consider designating your giving to ARC instead. For more information, visit their website, which is linked above. 

You may give through the Free Methodist Church of Santa Barbara (HERE) to help us fulfill our $1,800 giving goal to them.