Which Programme Promotes the Planting of Trees?

Planting trees is one of the most effective ways to combat climate change and protect our planet. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, provide shade, and support wildlife habitats. However, deforestation and urbanization are threatening our forests and endangering our biodiversity. To tackle these challenges, various programmes have been launched around the world to promote the planting of trees. Here are some of the most notable ones:

The Billion Tree Campaign

The Billion Tree Campaign was launched by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 2006 as part of the Global Partnership on Forest Landscape Restoration. The campaign aims to plant at least one billion trees worldwide each year to combat climate change, protect biodiversity, and improve livelihoods. As of 2020, the campaign has planted over 15 billion trees across 193 countries, making it one of the largest reforestation initiatives in history.

The Green Belt Movement

The Green Belt Movement was founded by Kenyan environmentalist Wangari Maathai in 1977. It is an indigenous grassroots organization that promotes the planting of trees, the protection of forests, and the empowerment of women. The movement has planted over 51 million trees in Kenya alone and has inspired similar initiatives in other African countries.

The National Forest Programme

The National Forest Programme is a strategy developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to promote sustainable forest management and increase forest cover worldwide. The programme provides technical assistance, training, and funding to countries to develop and implement their own national forest policies and plans. As of 2020, over 80 countries have launched their national forest programmes, covering a total of 2.2 billion hectares of forestland.

The Forest Stewardship Council

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international non-profit organization that promotes responsible forest management and certification. The FSC sets standards for forest management, forest products, and chain of custody to ensure that forests are managed sustainably, and products are sourced ethically. The FSC has certified over 200 million hectares of forestland in 80 countries and supports the planting of new trees in degraded areas.

The Ecosystem Restoration Programme

The Ecosystem Restoration Programme is a flagship initiative of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) that aims to restore 350 million hectares of degraded and deforested land by 2030. The programme supports a range of activities, including tree planting, regenerating natural forests, and restoring wetlands and grasslands. The programme also seeks to create jobs, enhance food security, and build resilience to climate change.

Conclusion

The planting of trees is crucial for our planet's health and well-being. From local grassroots movements to international programmes, there are many initiatives that promote the planting of trees and the restoration of forests. By supporting these initiatives, we can help combat climate change, protect biodiversity, and create a more sustainable and resilient future for all.