Samoon Green Uttarakhand Initiative (SGUI)

The goal of the Samoon Green Uttarakhand Initiative (SGUI) is to strengthen Uttarakhand’s natural ecosystem through extensive tree plantation, awareness programs, and people’s participation.
The project aims to:

1. 1. Increase the green cover by planting and nurturing 10,000 native trees in selected districts.
2. 1. Inspire citizens to take personal responsibility for protecting their environment.
3. 1. Educate communities and schools on sustainable living, climate action, and waste management.
4. Encourage long-term environmental stewardship among youth and local residents.

Uttarakhand’s forests are not just a source of beauty they are the foundation of life for its people. However, in recent years, uncontrolled deforestation, frequent forest fires, landslides, and developmental pressures have reduced the green cover and affected biodiversity.

Many rural communities depend directly on forest resources for their daily needs. As trees disappear, water sources dry up, soil erosion increases, and local climate conditions worsen.

Samoon Foundation has been actively addressing this through its “Our Bond with Trees” and Harela campaigns. Building upon this experience, the Samoon Green Uttarakhand Initiative focuses on long-term environmental restoration through community-led plantation drives, awareness activities, and sustainable care practices.

1. Tree Plantation Drives:

   • Organize large-scale plantation events during monsoon and regional festivals like Harela and Van Mahotsav.

   • Prioritize native species such as Banyan, Neem, and Buransh suited to local ecology.

2. Community Engagement:

   • Involve villagers, school students, and women’s groups in plantation and follow-up care.

   • Run “Adopt a Tree” programs encouraging families to nurture saplings.

3. Environmental Awareness Programs:

   • Conduct workshops, eco-rallies, and school campaigns on waste reduction, water conservation, and climate resilience.

4. Training Green Volunteers:

   • Form and train local youth groups to monitor plant survival, prevent grazing damage, and support re-plantation where needed.

5. Partnerships & Collaboration:

   • Work closely with the Forest Department, local panchayats, and educational institutions for technical and logistical support.

This project will run for one year.
Plantation and awareness work will be done during the rainy season, while maintenance and follow-up will continue throughout the year with local volunteers and school students.

Significant increase in local green cover across project regions.

Strengthened ecological awareness among rural and urban populations.

Reduced soil erosion and improved water retention in hilly areas.

Creation of a community-driven environmental network that continues beyond project duration.

A replicable model for community-based environmental action in Uttarakhand.

Inputs: Saplings, volunteers, awareness tools, technical guidance, and resources.
Activities: Tree plantation, community engagement, awareness campaigns, and training.
Outputs: Trees planted, volunteers trained, events conducted, awareness created.
Outcomes: Increased green cover, improved biodiversity, stronger environmental responsibility.
Impact: Healthier ecosystems, empowered communities, and a greener Uttarakhand.

We don’t have our own land for plantation, so we work with schools, gram panchayats, and local communities.
We need support for saplings, fencing, watering, and awareness material.

Any CSR partner or donor who wishes to support green work in Uttarakhand is welcome to join hands with Samoon Foundation.

Monthly field monitoring and photographic documentation of plantations.

Quarterly progress reviews and plant survival assessments.

Feedback collection from schools, volunteers, and community members.

Annual impact report highlighting success indicators like survival rate, awareness reach, and community participation.

All data will be verified and maintained by Samoon Foundation’s environmental monitoring team.

Samoon Foundation ensures sustainability by connecting communities emotionally and practically to each tree.

Key strategies include:

• Adopt a Tree Model: Each sapling is assigned to a student, family, or volunteer for care.

• Community Partnerships: Collaboration with Forest Department and local self-help groups for ongoing maintenance.

• Annual Replantation Drive: Replacement of lost saplings during monsoon.

• Youth Engagement: Continuous training and recognition of Green Volunteers.

• Local Ownership: Villagers take responsibility for tree protection and watering through incentive programs.

  
  

These measures ensure every tree planted becomes part of a living ecosystem supporting generations to come.