Tree Plantation and Environmental Education in Karnataka

Vikasana, Tarikere, Karnataka

Contact: Mr. Varghees Cleatas 

Dates: July 2021- July 2024 

Total Budget: Rs. 1,245,200 

2023 Budget: Rs. 3,90404

This report summarizes the three-year implementation of the project, conducted in eight government schools across seven villages in Chikmagalur district, Karnataka. The project is aimed to foster environmental education, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable practices through the formation of Eco Clubs and planting of trees, nutrition gardens. 

During the second year, about 1667 agroforestry plants like teak, Pongamia, cassesemia, gliricidia, neem, and silver oak were planted in 145 beneficiaries land and eight school grounds.

Seven Eco Club were formed in each of 8 schools to get students involved in protecting nature. In addition, 10 Nutrition gardens were formed in individual beneficiaries land. They grow fresh vegetables like Chili, Tomato, ladies finger, brinjal, Radish, beans, mint leaves for their personal consumption.

Overall impact of the project has been enormous. Around 1200 school children, teachers, parents and individual farmers are now sensitized towards the community role in climatic change and benefits of tree plantation. About 265 Eco club children are now directly involved in tree plantation, nutrition gardens, plants protection and watering.

The project organized 14 awareness workshops aimed at educating school children, teachers, parents, and community leaders on the importance of tree plantation and environmental protection. 7 eco clubs were established in each of the participating schools. Students were taught environmental awareness, tree care, monitoring plants, and maintaining school nutrition gardens. 

Over the three years, a total of 5,636 agro-forestry trees (teak, neem, pongamia, silver oak, and others) were planted across school grounds and in the lands of selected beneficiaries. Additionally, 1,675 horticulture trees (mango, sapota, papaya, jackfruit, etc.) were planted to support local agriculture and provide nutritious fruits to the community. 

This activity not only helps to conserve the biodiversity of the area but to provide fodder, fuel, and timber as well.

Planned 30 nutrition gardens in individual beneficiaries’ land and schools, was increased by additional 04 gardens due to the overwhelming interest and support from the community. These gardens produce a variety of organic vegetables. 

2022 Progress Report   2023 Progress Report   2024 Final Report