The problem
Losing green spaces harms the environment in many ways. It reduces plant and animal life, lowers air and soil quality, makes communities less prepared for climate change, and weakens their ability to recover from environmental or social challenges.
Goals
Tree planting initiatives are sweeping across the globe as people want to protect existing forests, restore degraded lands and create green spaces. These projects focus on different goals like making cities greener, fixing riverbanks, supporting farming with trees, cooling the air, or inspiring young people to take action. Together, they show how planting trees can help solve many connected problems.
Dentri project by Mamagea
Urban tree mapping
In Thessaloniki, a city with one of the lowest green space ratios in Europe (2.7 m² per resident), a handful of citizens are making change happen. Under the guidance of Mamagea, an environmental NGO focusing on urban sustainability, they are mapping vacant tree pits in their neighborhoods and planting new trees to strengthen the city’s green infrastructure. and planting new trees to boost the city’s green spaces.
The initiative collaborates with the Green Department of the Municipality, which helps plant the trees and ensures their care for long-term success. By involving young people in activities like mapping, planting, and environmental advocacy, the project encourages community participation and a sense of responsibility for the environment.
Afforestation of Luwasozi river banks by Tawonga Community Based Organization
Agroforestry and entrepreneurship
In Malawi, along the Luwasozi river banks, women and young farmers are leading the way to restore forests and improve their communities. Through the Tawonga Community Based Organization, 13 farming groups are working together to plant trees, grow crops sustainably, and create new business opportunities.
Tree planting is the heart of this project. Each group plants 850–900 trees every year on an acre of land. They use smart methods like drill seeding to plant seeds at the right depth, helping the trees grow better and survive longer. To support these efforts, the community raises money through local churches, markets and other events.
A team of experts in farming and business supports the farmers, helping them work together to bring back Malawi’s forests. This project combines tree planting with sustainable farming and small businesses, making it both good for the environment and helpful for the community’s economy.
https://m.facebook.com/p/Tawonga-cooking-oil-processing-and-animal-feed-enterprise-100064143034986/
Transforming Agriculture through Permaculture by Mlatho Farms
Agri-learning Hub
Mlatho Farms and Agri-Learning Hub in Malawi helps young people tackle environmental and economic challenges. The program focuses on permaculture, Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA), and entrepreneurship, with tree planting at its core.
This offers practical solutions to deforestation, climate change, and youth unemployment.
Youth are the driving force behind this project. In 2024, 192 young people joined the Permaculture Awareness Course, where they learned hands-on skills to start tree nurseries and lead tree planting efforts. The project aims to raise 150,000 tree seedlings, with 50,000 already growing. These trees are planted to restore damaged land, and some are sold to earn money, making the program financially sustainable.
I Make Rain by Mesopotamo Fog Forest Alliance
Harvesting Mist, Growing Forests, Restoring Balance
The Mesopotamo Mist Initiative is creating a greener, healthier Mediterranean by copying the natural fog-collecting process of Madeira’s cloud forests. The project plants evergreen trees near rivers and valleys to increase moisture in the air, cool the area, and support wildlife.
Tree planting is the heart of this work, with over 500 evergreen trees already planted. These trees help spread moisture, lower temperatures by up to 2°C, and improve soil health. In just one year, the number of plants and animals in the area grew by 15%, showing the project’s success.
Young people lead the way, with over 200 joining workshops and tree-planting events. Inspired by Madeira’s cloud forests, they researched tree types and planned where to plant them. By visiting schools and hosting community events, the project encourages everyone to help protect the environment.
Green Spaces Initiative (GSI) by Movement for Environmental Action (MEA)
Planting fruit trees at schools
GSI helps schools and cities in Malawi by planting fruit trees, improving the environment, providing food, and teaching young people about nature. In many areas where GSI works, green spaces are disappearing and opportunities for young people to lead environmental projects are limited.
GSI runs tree-planting campaigns led by students, workshops to raise awareness, and training to build leadership skills. By working with local leaders and organizations, GSI reaches more people and makes a bigger impact.
Fruit tree planting is the heart of the project, especially in schools. These trees make the environment healthier, increase food supplies, and create spaces for learning and fun. By involving students and their communities, GSI helps people understand how nature fights climate change.
Young people play a key role. Through campaigns, workshops, and hands-on activities, they learn to lead and take action for the environment. Schools act as centers for education and change, while these efforts also expand into cities and communities, turning empty spaces into vibrant green areas.
What you can do
Support a tree planting initiative close to where you live.