At Greenr Gifts, we are proud to announce the launch of six new planting projects in collaboration with Sadhana Forest, our newest planting partner. Each of these projects tackles deforestation and environmental degradation in a specific region, while simultaneously providing sustainable benefits to local communities. With a focus on food forests and reforestation, we’re restoring ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, and creating lasting, positive impacts.
1. Reforestation in Tamil Nadu, India (Auroville)
Sadhana Forest was founded in 2003 with this reforestation project in Auroville. It’s primary aim is to restore the endangered Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest (TDEF) in the Tamil Nadu region. Since the beginning of the project, over 174,000 trees have been planted, the majority of which have survived and are showing steady growth. Since its inception, Sadhana Forest has reforested over 70% of its land, with native species playing a critical role in the ecosystem's recovery.
Learn more about our Reforestation project in Tamil Nadu
Sadhana Forest in Auroville, in 2003 vs now.
2. Food Forests in Kenya (Samburu County, Northern Kenya)
Sadhana Forest’s reforestation efforts in Kenya, specifically in the Samburu region, began in 2014. Since the start of the project, 60,000 trees have been planted to combat desertification and restore degraded ecosystems. These trees are indigenous, drought-resistant, and food-producing. They are crucial in helping local communities achieve food security and improve their livelihoods.
Learn more about our Food forests in Kenya
3. Food Forests in Namibia (Kunene Region, Central Namibia)
Sadhana Forest’s work in Namibia focuses on reforestation, water conservation, and community empowerment in the Kunene Region. Since 2023, Sadhana Forest has been working closely with the Oruseu, Okapara, and neighboring villages, where the project has been planting indigenous, drought-resistant food-producing trees. The project aims to address severe food insecurity and environmental degradation by improving access to nutritious foods and replenishing the local ecosystem.
Learn more about our Food forests in Namibia
4. Food Forests in Tamil Nadu, India (Virudhunagar)
Sadhana Forest’s work in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, focuses on addressing aridification and food insecurity through the creation of food forests and water conservation techniques. Over 10,000 indigenous, drought-resistant, food-bearing trees have been planted across multiple villages. These trees, including oxalogenic species like Moringa oleifera, were chosen for their ability to thrive in the local climate and contribute to long-term food security by providing nutrient-dense produce like fruits and nuts.
The project aims to ensure that these trees, once fully matured, will provide a diverse and nutritious food source for around 2,500 individuals, contributing significantly to reducing malnutrition and improving the overall well-being of the community.
Learn more about our Food forests in Tamil Nadu, India
5. Food Forests in Haiti (Anse-à-Pitres, Southeast Haiti)
Sadhana Forest works with local communities and international volunteers to develop food-bearing forests and sustainably promote food self sufficiency in the coastal towns and villages of Haiti.
An independent assessment of two-year survival rates showed an astonishing 74% survival rate of trees in the town of Anse-à-Pitres and 84% survival rate of trees in the villages around Anse-à-Pitres. So far, 130,000 trees of 20 different species have been planted. To put that into context, the potential of this survival rate is roughly 108,000 trees. Out of those trees, about 70,000 are Maya Nut (Brosimum alicastrum) trees. Many of them have already reached maturity, and if all of them reach maturity, they have the potential to produce 11,900,000 Kg of Maya nuts per year, which can easily feed 40,000 people.
Learn more about the Food forests in Haiti
6. Reforestation in Meghalaya, India
Sadhana Forest’s work in Meghalaya focuses on the restoration of degraded lands and empowering local communities through sustainable practices. Since 2020, Sadhana Forest has implemented its model in 25 villages across the state, with activities centered in the Khasi Hills, Garo Hills, and Jaintia Hills. These projects are designed to reforest the area using indigenous, food-producing species, including oxalogenic trees, which help sequester carbon and improve soil fertility.
Learn more about our Reforestation project in Meghalaya, India
Beyond tree planting
In addition to reforestation, all Sadhana Forest projects take a holistic approach to restoration by implementing water conservation techniques such as constructing on-contour swales and bunds to address the challenge of water scarcity in arid regions. They also focus on community engagement and education, by providing training on sustainable land management and agroforestry to local residents. This holistic approach ensures the long-term success of their reforestation efforts, enabling the community to take ownership of the project and continue restoring their land.
Each of these six projects represents a unique and vital effort to restore ecosystems, combat deforestation, and support local communities. At Greenr Gifts, we believe that every tree planted makes a difference, and with the help of Sadhana Forest, we’re making a lasting impact around the world.
Join us by gifting a tree through Greenr Gifts and be part of this global movement for a greener, more sustainable future.
