In a remarkable feat of environmental stewardship, EcoSikh proudly announced the successful establishment of 850 Guru Nanak Sacred Forests across Punjab and six other states. Achieving this milestone in just 56 months, the organization has planted a total of 470,000 trees of native species, fostering biodiversity and contributing significantly to ecological conservation.
EcoSikh’s ambitious initiative, launched in February 2019 to commemorate Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary, aimed to plant one million trees. With nearly half of this goal achieved, the organization expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of individuals, gurdwaras, educational institutions, and industry partners who joined hands to make this vision a reality.
The heart of EcoSikh’s success lies in its commitment to sustainable reforestation. Each of the 850 Guru Nanak Sacred Forests boasts 550 native trees, showcasing a dedication to preserving the region’s natural flora. Furthermore, the organization declared its capability to establish 100 such forests every month, highlighting a scalable and impactful approach to environmental conservation.
In the state of Punjab alone, 650 sacred forests have flourished under EcoSikh’s reforestation initiative. Acknowledging the potential for even greater impact, the organization has urged the Punjab government to adopt the Miyawaki methodology, a Japanese technique known for its efficiency in forest creation.
Rajwant Singh, Global President of EcoSikh, reflected on the journey, stating, “We had started this initiative in February 2019 in celebration of Guru Nanak’s 550th birth-anniversary and EcoSikh had committed to plant one million trees. We have almost reached the halfway point this month, and this journey has been amazing so far.”
EcoSikh’s collaborative model has garnered support from various quarters, including Charan Singh, an industrialist from Maharashtra and the Sacred Forest Convener. Singh emphasized the far-reaching benefits of the Guru Nanak Sacred Forests, not only in environmental terms but also for industries looking to enhance their sustainability credentials.
“Guru Nanak Sacred Forests will bring tremendous benefits to the industry, making our businesses look greener than the competitors,” said Charan Singh. He called upon the industry to seize this opportunity and partner with EcoSikh in the collective effort to combat climate change.
As EcoSikh continues to make strides towards its million-tree goal, the organization stands as a beacon of inspiration for communities and environmentalists alike. The success of the Guru Nanak Sacred Forests serves as a testament to the positive impact that dedicated individuals and organizations can have on the planet, fostering a greener, healthier future for generations to come.
