Mumbai: On the occasion of World Environment Day, Forests by Heartfulness (FBH), a flagship initiative of Heartfulness Institute, has reaffirmed its commitment to large-scale, sustainable afforestation with an ambitious goal: raising 30 million trees by 2030. Backed by scientific rigor, community engagement, and spiritual sensitivity, the initiative is making measurable impact across India’s degraded landscapes.
As part of this project, 3.5 lakh trees will be planted to develop 650 hectares of forest land over the course of one year, each tree being planted to revere one’s mother, who is the first Guru. The first tree to be planted by Hon’ble Dy CM will be in the name of respected Baa, Smt Shantaben, mother of Rev Daaji.
India has lost 2.19 million hectares of tree cover since 2000 – a concerning 5.6% decline – triggering rising concerns around climate change, habitat loss, and soil degradation. In response, FBH has pioneered a regenerative forest model that goes beyond conventional plantation drives. This model not only restores biodiversity and degraded soil but also empowers rural communities and reconnects people to nature through meditation and spiritual ecology.
Since its inception, Forests by Heartfulness has planted over 3 million trees across 10,000 acres of degraded lands in 12 states, conserving more than 80 endangered species with an impressive 90% survival rate. It operates 20 native nurseries housing 6 million saplings across 330 endemic species, making it one of India’s most diverse and robust plantation efforts.
“Daaji has instilled in us the vision to treat trees as sentient beings. With his inspiration and guidance, we are intertwining ancient wisdom and modern science to plant 30 million trees by 2030. Even children are learning to nurture and protect forests. Together, we’re building green futures one forest at a time,” said Dr. V. Ramakantha, Retired IFS and Chairman of Forests by Heartfulness.
