This provides financing for the start-up of small, local conservation and reforestation projects, which Naturefund initiates worldwide. TAKKT chairman of the board Dr. Felix Zimmermann is aware of the responsibility of a large corporate group regarding the environment: "As an internationally active company, we want to contribute to the preservation of the unique diversity of nature, and ways of protecting it for future generations. Together with Naturefund we can accomplish more here."

Only 17 years to live

In Honduras, for example, the organisation Naturefund is protecting one of the last large rain forests in Central America. Although designated as a protected area, an area equivalent to 92 football fields of trees fall victim to chainsaws in Patuca National Park every day. Or they are destroyed by slash-and-burn farming. Naturefund has calculated that the 3,700 square metre national park will be completely cut down in 17 years if they are not successful in stopping these practices. Naturefund managing director Katja Wiese: "Wood is an important source of income for the local residents, and this is why many continue with the destructive exploitation of their own environment." The projects to protect the forest can thus only yield results if Naturefund gets the local people involved. Communication and transparency on both sides are important in this context. The responsibility is shared: The local partner ensures that the protective measures are carried out successfully. Naturefund is tasked with providing the necessary financial aid, expertise and contacts. Since 2007, the organisation has successfully established 19 tree nurseries. In 2009 alone, 30,000 were trees sprouted there - enough to offset the annual CO2 emissions of approximately 7,759 Golf drivers.

In October 2009 the second project was started, which is co-financed by the forest funds and thus by TAKKT as well: In the southwest of the island country of Madagascar, resident farmers have sown the seeds of 75 different types of trees in several trees nurseries. In a few years the seedlings will serve not only in the reforestation of the unique rain forest, but in providing Madagascans with firewood, food and windbreaks for their fields as well. Other forest fund projects in Kenya, Bolivia, Malaysia and Nicaragua are being developed - with a vision beyond that of the Golf Generation.