Trees, the natural air purifiers and oxygen providers are the backbone of our ecosystems. They protect biodiversity by offering shelter and food to countless species, filter water, and play a vital role in mitigating climate change.
Yet, relentless deforestation driven by urbanization threatens these delicate ecosystems, pushing wildlife to the brink and disrupting environmental balance.
In response to this crisis, several organisations have undertaken thoughtfully calibrated tree-planting initiatives. Their efforts are not only restoring fragile ecosystems and protecting endangered species but also empowering local communities through reforestation.
Here are five social enterprises leading the way: Grow-Trees.com
Generating more than 1.6 million workdays of employment, the social enterprise Grow-Trees.com achieved a major milestone in 2024 by successfully planting over 21 million trees across 25 Indian States since the year of its inception. On maturity, the trees will absorb over 400 million kilograms of carbon annually.
Founded in 2010 by Mr Pradip Shah and Karan Shah, Grow-Trees.com plants local trees to support local communities and nourish biodiversity. A recent initiative ‘Ratan Tata Memorial Forest,’ is augmenting the green cover in the Himalayas with nearly four lakh trees. The Trees for Ram Bhoomi® in Ayodhya project will enhance the ecological health of the city.
The global organisation is also working in Uganda where the ‘Trees for Refugee Wellness’ has a target of planting 50,000 trees. The ‘Trees for Sunda Pangolins’ project in Lela Village, Indonesia has a similar target. Their website enables corporate entities and individuals to contribute to environmental projects including Trees for Migratory Birds™, Trees For Tigers, Trees for Tribals®, and Trees for Rivers. As a token of appreciation, contributors receive an eTreeCertificate®, acknowledging their commitment to nature.
One Tree Planted (India)
One Tree Planted, headquartered in Shelburne, Vermont, USA, is a global nonprofit organisation dedicated to environmental restoration and combating deforestation through tree-planting initiatives. Founded by Matt Hill, it operates on a simple model where a small donation-often just one dollar-funds the planting of a tree. In India, One Tree Planted is implementing major projects, including ‘Agroforestry to Protect Tiger Habitat,’ which focuses on restoring critical ecosystems around Nagarahole and Bandipur National Parks.
Another key project is the ‘Women-Led Mangrove Restoration’ in the Sundarbans, which strengthens coastal resilience against storms and enhances marine ecosystems. Further, the ‘Fruit Trees to Fight Hunger’ initiative supports smallholder farmers across several Indian states by providing fruit trees to improve food security and livelihoods in marginalised communities.
SankalpTaru
Founded by Apurva Bhandari, SankalpTaru is recognised for its extensive socio-environmental impact, undertaking projects that range from cultivating organic apple villages in Ladakh to support farmers’ livelihoods to reforesting the ecologically fragile Aravallis near Delhi and developing a green wall of mangroves in the Sundarbans. Committed to spreading greenery and fostering global unity for a green future, the organization actively collaborates with corporate and philanthropic partners to implement CSR and ESG programmes, reinforcing its environmental and social mission.
Grow Billion Trees
Grow Billion Trees is an initiative dedicated to planting and protecting billions of trees to combat climate change. Established by a group of Indian Army veterans, the initiative leverages technology and community engagement to drive large-scale reforestation efforts globally.
Their approach focuses on selecting and planting native tree species that can thrive in their respective environments. Currently, Grow Billion Trees is implementing tree plantation projects across major Indian states, including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka and Kerala. The initiative also collaborates closely with local communities and organisations to ensure that its projects deliver lasting ecological and social benefits.
Green Yatra
Green Yatra’s journey began with the Go Green Ganesha campaign in early 2008, and by 2010, Green Yatra had officially registered as an NGO. It rapidly expanded to thousands of schools, colleges, and housing societies, leading to the launch of several other impactful environmental initiatives, including Zaroorat, Green Youth Green India and more.
Founded by a nature enthusiast, Pradeep Tripathi the organisation focuses on large-scale trees planting, waste management, renewable energy promotion and environmental education, addressing key ecological challenges while promoting sustainable living. It is also recognised for its grassroots approach and transparent operations, receiving numerous accolades for its contributions to the environment.
