Forest in one day

Plant a forest in one day

Urban and peri-urban areas

Developing the green-blue network

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Jane Goodall Institute Belgium

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Started in: 2010

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Project by: Jane Goodall Institute Belgium

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Started in: 2010

The project

‘Forest in One Day’ is a day when people of different ages, backgrounds and cultures come together to plant a forest in one day. It will not only be a gain of plants and animals, but it is also a meet and strengthen cooperation for greening our environment. The aim is also to encourage as many young people as possible to participate in the planting actions through prior working sessions in schools or at youth organisations. It is also aimed, in cooperation with the sponsor, to plant 10 to 50 trees in Africa for every tree planted here in Belgium – the last 10 years in Burundi – , an approach to international cooperation that is unique to JGI Belgium.

State of implementation: Since autumn 2010 until March 2025, Jane Goodall Belgium has planted more than 171,000 trees in Belgium for the realisation of 39 forests, more than 85 ha in total, thanks to support from long-term partnerships of private sector, in particular Luminus, and (co-)financing of subsidy projects, including from QiGreen and from the Department of Environment, Flemish government. In addition, the planting of more than 4 million trees in Burundi was supported through support for the construction of tree nurseries, collection of seeds or seedlings, organisation of planting in cooperation with local communities.

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Project location

Belgium

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Contribution(s)

85 ha

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Project costs

100.000 - 500.000 €

Participant(s)

JGI Belgium (through grant projects), private sector, schools and/or local authorities contribute financially.
Sylva Nova or de Bosgroepen for technical support.
JGI volunteers, individuals from the private sector, schools and/or local youth associations and communities help during planting.

How are the criteria of the objective met?

Urban and peri-urban areas

Native shrubs and trees are planted – selected according to landscape and soil quality. Exotics are removed during site preparation.

Possible initiatives in which the project is involved :

The project is not part of any existing initiative.

Long-term maintenance

Follow-up management is done by Sylva Nova or Bosgroepen, in cooperation with relevant landowner.

Benefits

Contribution to restoration of nature and biodiversity, mitigation of climate change impacts (CO² absorption, water problems, air quality), more space for recreational activities, strengthening partnerships for greening the living environment. With the preceding work sessions at schools and youth organisations, contribution to knowledge about nature and forests, and stimulation of young people to respect animals, people and the environment.