A Billion Trees Planted for the Planet!

by Emily Woodhouse
November 28, 2007 1:51pm
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It’s a day of celebration for GBM and the whole planet today as it was officially announced that the Billion Tree Campaign has reached its goal of planting one billion trees worldwide. The campaign was launched by Wangari Maathai and Prince Albert II of Monaco at the beginning of 2007 and is a joint initiative between UNEP, ICRAF and the Green Belt Movement. Thank you from GBM to everyone around the world who has planted a tree!

It all started when a corporate group in the US told Prof. Maathai it was planning to plant a million trees. Her response: “That’s great, but what we really need is to plant a billion trees”. This comment was the inspiration for a global effort, which has brought together individuals, communities, organisations, governments and corporations all over the world with the same purpose. And now the billionth tree has been planted!

At a time when the full effect of our negative impact on the environment is being realised, this is a great achievement and sign that with the vision and mobilisation of enough people, change CAN happen.

The announcement also comes just in advance of the next Climate Change Conference in Bali, drawing attention to the role that reforestation and protection of forests can have in tackling climate change.

We hope that the success of the campaign is just the beginning of further efforts to restore and protect our environment. So do as Prof. Maathai suggests and “plant another tree today in celebration’.

For more information visit Billion Tree Campaign

Comments

  • 1.

    Comment by tyleramerican on August 6, 2009 7:23am:

    It is special that the Professor toasted with NYC tap water the good news about her book. That is because NYC tap water comes from a forested watershed (catchment) that has many activities going on to assure its long term health and sustainability. This kind of watershed is what the Professor is fighting for in all parts of Kenya.
  • 2.

    Comment by tyleramerican on August 6, 2009 7:23am:

    During the summer of 2007, I had to do a book report for a college class. I chose your book, Unbowed. What a life story and struggle of someone who never once thought of herself, but only of her country and her people. You are a role model for all women, of all cultures and of any economic class. I pray that you and your great works continue.
  • 3.

    Comment by malikjammy on August 14, 2009 7:37pm:

    Its fantastic that a billion trees have been planted

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