Approximately 80,000 children across Nepal participated in a tree-planting initiative on World Environment Day under the nationwide campaign “One Child, One Tree.” The initiative was led by the World Vision International Nepal in collaboration with local governments, schools, and community stakeholders.
The campaign was conducted across 46 municipalities in 17 districts, spanning various ecological regions including the hills, mountains, and the Terai plains. Participating districts included Udayapur, Sarlahi, Mahottari, Rautahat, Sindhuli, Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Lamjung, Jumla, Kailali, Kanchanpur, Achham, Doti, Dailekh, Jajarkot, Banke, and Bajhang.
According to organizers, children planted thousands of saplings—including fruit-bearing and locally suitable species such as mango, litchi, guava, and orange—in schools, residential areas, communities, and ward offices. The initiative also recorded the participation of 573 children with disabilities.
The implementation of the campaign involved coordinated schedules throughout the day, supported by local governments, schools, community forest groups, families, and 27 local implementing partner organizations.
To support the survival and growth of the saplings, the organizers stated that they are working with families and local stakeholders to provide follow-up care, including the distribution of organic fertilizers.
Prakash Tiwari, Associate Director of Technical Programmes and Head of Resilience & Livelihoods at World Vision International Nepal, stated that the campaign aims to address environmental degradation and climate change by fostering environmental awareness and responsibility among youth. Roslyn Hanson Gabriel, National Director of World Vision International Nepal, concluded that the successful execution of the project highlights the impact of integrated planning and cross-community collaboration in addressing environmental challenges through youth engagement.
Local government representatives and educators noted both the environmental and educational aspects of the initiative.
Dip Narayan Mandal, Chairperson of Ekdara Rural Municipality, remarked that the distribution of fruit saplings like mango and litchi serves to promote conservation while supporting future food security and nutrition. Ram Ishwor Mandal, Principal of Rastriya Basic School in Baheda, added that providing fruit saplings integrates practical environmental education into the school system.
Similarly, Yagya Prashad Neupane, Ward Chair of Tikapur-7, highlighted that the activities encourage children to understand environmental protection from an early age.
Children and parents from various districts expressed their engagement with the program. Young participants, including Roshani Yadav (8), Gautam Sah (14), Vivisha Chaudhary, Astha RC, Shruti Bhandari, and Elisa, shared their intentions to care for the saplings they received and noted that the experience increased their interest in nature.
Basmati Budha, a 34-year-old parent from Jumla, observed that the hands-on event allowed children to gain practical environmental knowledge and take a leadership role in field activities.
