GBM -Ten (10) Step Procedure

To streamline the tree planting activities, a system comprising of ten steps was designed by the Green Belt Movement (GBM). The system actually evolved as a response to various needs in the initial tree planting work. The steps are as follows:

Step 1: Creating community awareness.
  • Community awareness on the importance of trees is provided. The community is also empowered, and learn about the rights and responsibilities of natural resources.
Step 2: Group formation.
  • A tree nursery group (s) is formed. The group elect officials, discusses code of conduct, looks for site, invites GBM staff.
Step 3: Registration.
  • Group must receive registration form, sign, attach list of members, send to headquarters.
Step 4: At the nursery site (getting the tools and equipment needed)
  • Group must agree on a good site, collect seeds, make seedbeds, sow seeds, register with relevant government authority, and monitor flowering and seeding.
Step 5: Quarterly report (forming the sub-location network)
  • Groups must read provided forms, consult field staff, count potted seedlings, record trees ready for planting, and elect two members to a network committee to oversee the work of tree nursery groups.
Step 6: Stakeholders consultations and involvement.
  • The network identifies public lands where tree species in their nursery would be suitable for planting and promote them to stakeholders within a radius of 5 km. Network officials should sign the relevant form and give it to the group secretary to show the Green Volunteer for further analysis. The GBM forester should also write an assessment report of the site, including site details, name and coordinates, names of networks to work in the site, hectarage and existing vegetation, bordering vegetation/areas, site accessibility, tree species suitable for planting and possible risks to the establishment of specific species.
Step 7: Mobilizing community members to dig holes
  • Network gets record book, dig holes, record nursery groups, manure holes, agree on tree planting dates, hold meeting with GBM forester, formulate planting plan, discuss objectives, challenges, solutions, and share plan with office, stakeholders.
Step 8: Tree Planting
  • Network members pack seedlings, transport and plant trees, record in the relevant form, and engage stakeholders to organize one planting event. GBM forester and GV guide committee.
Step 9: First follow-up (continuous follow-up)
  • Network reads the relevant forms, check seedlings, record survivals, note challenges, sign records, replant non-performing seedlings, agree on best way to nurture or keep an eye on surviving trees, and elect one member as a green ranger.
Step 10: Final follow-up
  • The follow-up is done between 3 - 6 months after planting. It involves counting surviving trees, verifying accuracy of survivals and confirming to headquarters any activities they are initiating in the reforested public lands. GBM embarked on building the leadership capacity of the networks through civic education and leadership training.