Not long ago, I discovered the project Happy Xmas Trees, when the founder contacted me for a statement. I gladly provided it because the project is a great idea!

This ambitious Danish art and sustainability project is currently transforming Copenhagen into one giant outdoor gallery featuring Christmas tree sculptures by various artists – among others my former colleague and friend, Jonna Pedersen.

Until December 25th visitors to Copenhagen and city locals may come across the fancifully decorated fibreglass trees spreading good cheer in the busy streets – and next year the extensive public exhibition will hit a new city in Europe – but these trees aren’t just for show. Once Christmas is over, they will be auctioned off to raise money for the afforestation project, Happy® Forests.

Happy® Forest is established as an extension of Happy Xmas Trees and begins in Mali, where local organizations such as Mali Biocarburant will join up with the project to plant jatropha trees. Known as “the wonder tree” for its many uses, this tree can stop desertification, prevent erosion of the soil and create conditions suitable for other green plants. Oil extracted from the tree’s nuts is used in biofuel, and residue can be utilized as fertilizer. In time, Happy® Forest will cover several countries.

The people behind this great idea are part of a worldwide movement of new pioneers offering innovative models of positive change by blending, generating or even renewing the use of four kinds of capital to create sustainable value. Happy® Xmas Trees is a great example of how aesthetic, environmental, social and financial capital can go hand-in-hand as a contribution to a better world.

The New Pioneer Blog will be back at the crack of the new year to keep you updated and bring you socially innovative inspiration from around the world. In the meantime, enjoy some pictures of the decorated trees here. For now – Season’s greetings!