Green Villages
In certain Planting Zones, PGH is proposing that the local communities become 'Green Village Areas', meaning that under the guidance of the PGH team, villages in the whole area
Within the chosen districts, certain areas are selected and then put under the responsibility of a team of four. This team then has the responsibility of planting about 60,000 trees by involving the whole population as volunteers.
In 2006 the Erode district started several Green Village areas. In 2007 the Pudukottai district model began and in 2008 the Tirunelveli district aims to start one. Each area will eventually serve as a showcase for the region. PGH aims at establishing at least one Green Village Area in each district.
GREEN VILLAGE OBJECTIVES
- To raise awareness through intense grass roots campaigns and a permanent display of hoardings
- To create a strong network of skilled volunteers, especially among farmers, self-help groups and students, directly involved in the planting and maintenance of the trees
- To use scientific methodology and modern technology to accurately evaluate the existing green cover, work out a strategy for tree planting and calculate the number of saplings required
- To complete planting of saplings in two to three years time creating a strong sense of relationship between tree growers and trees
- To ensure sustainability of the green cover through regular maintenance, and periodic surveys, and by replacing any lost trees
- To monitor the project through data collection and the preparation of the reports needed to document measurable outcomes.
Although each planting depends on village characteristics and local environmental conditions, in each area, the average distribution of 60,000 trees will be as follows:
| Tree species/acre | Fruit saplings | Timber trees | Fodder Trees | Fuel trees | Medicinal trees | Shade and flower trees |
| Farm land | 14085 | 14085 | 15650 | 7825 | 3130 | |
| Schools | 200 | |||||
| Residential area | 2500 | |||||
| Water catchment | 875 | |||||
| Waste land | 875 | |||||
| Roadside | 985 |
Project Green Hands has been running a series of pilot schemes since 2005 through which it has developed an effective approach that can be adapted to the circumstances of each participating village. This experience has shown that 3 critical factors need to be in place at the same time:
- The goodwill and commitment of the community
- Good quality, appropriate, planting material
- Sufficient financial resources.
We invite corporate sponsorship of our Green Villages. For more information, please contact PGH.