The Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign is a worldwide tree planting initiative facilitated by the United Nations Environment Programme. People, communities, businesses, industry, civil society organizations and governments are encouraged to enter tree planting pledges on-line . The campaign strongly encourages the planting of indigenous trees and trees that are appropriate to the local environment.
By the end of 2009, more than 7.4 billion trees had been planted under this campaign – far in excess of the year-end target of 7 billion – by participants in 170 countries. With this success continuing into 2010, the Billion Tree Campaign will make a substantial contribution to the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity, raising awareness of the importance of biodiversity for our well-being. Trees play a crucial role as fundamental components of the biodiversity that forms the foundation of the living networks and systems that provide us all with health, wealth, food, fuel and vital ecosystem services our lives depend on. They help provide breathable air, drinkable water, fertile soils and a stable climate. The billions of trees planted by the collective efforts of participants of the Billion Tree Campaign from all parts of society will contribute to biodiversity across the planet.
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Prof. Wangari
Maathai, founder of
the Green Belt
Movement and 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
“When we plant trees, we plant the seeds of peace and seeds of
hope.” |
HSH Albert II,
Sovereign Prince
of Monaco
"I believe in the symbolic strength of the Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign and I sincerely hope it will meet
our expectations, far beyond the
welfare linked to replanting trees,
to benefit future generations.” |