Who Planted the Most Trees?

Trees are vital to our planet's health. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, produce food, provide shade and shelter, and support a multitude of species. Deforestation and land use change account for 10% to 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and it is essential that we find ways to reforest and protect our natural landscapes. Over the years, many people and organizations have stepped up to the challenge of planting trees, but who has planted the most?

Organizations and Initiatives

There are many organizations and initiatives that focus on reforestation and have planted millions of trees worldwide. One such organization is Trees for the Future, which has planted over 200 million trees in over 60 countries since 1989. Another is the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative, which aims to restore 100 million hectares of land by 2030.

The United Nations has also launched the Billion Tree Campaign, which encourages individuals, communities, and organizations to plant and conserve trees. By 2019, the initiative had documented the planting of almost 15 billion trees around the world.

Individuals

There are also many individuals who have taken it upon themselves to plant large numbers of trees. One such person is Jadav Payeng from India, who spent thirty years planting trees on Majuli Island in Assam to create a forest of over 1,360 acres. He started planting trees in 1979 and has since been described as the "Forest Man of India."

In Ethiopia, a man named Aba Hawi Gomda has also been planting trees for decades. He has estimated that he has planted over 15 million trees in his lifetime, focusing on species that are native to the area to help prevent soil erosion and combat desertification.

The Winner: India's Shubhendu Sharma

Despite the amazing efforts of Jadav Payeng and Aba Hawi Gomda, the person who has planted the most trees is Shubhendu Sharma. Sharma is the founder of Afforestt, a company that works to create natural forests in urban spaces. He was inspired by the work of the famous forester Akira Miyawaki and set out to create a method of planting forests that could be easily replicated anywhere in the world.

Since starting Afforestt in 2011, Sharma has planted over 130 forest projects in 38 cities, helping to plant over 300,000 trees in the process. His forests use a mix of native species and are designed to be self-sustaining, with minimal maintenance required after the initial planting. Sharma's work has been recognized around the world, and he has given talks and workshops on his methods at conferences and events worldwide.

Conclusion

Although many people and organizations have made significant contributions to reforestation efforts, it is Shubhendu Sharma who has planted the most trees. His innovative approach to creating natural forests in urban areas has helped him to plant hundreds of thousands of trees around the world and inspire others to take action too.

It is important to recognize the efforts of individuals like Sharma, Jadav Payeng, and Aba Hawi Gomda, as well as the organizations and initiatives that work towards reforestation. By planting trees and protecting our forests, we can help to mitigate climate change and create a healthier planet for ourselves and future generations.