Forest Man
Since the 1970's Majuli islander Jadav Payeng has been planting trees in order to save his island. To date he has single handedly planted a forest larger than Central Park in New York. His forest has transformed what was once a barren wasteland, into a lush oasis, home to endangered species and so much more.
Humble yet passionate and philosophical about his work, Payeng takes us on a journey into his incredible forest.
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” – Chinese proverb
An agricultural scientist once said to Jadev, "plant trees and they will take care of us".
So, when he saw his home, Majuli island, turning into a desert, that’s exactly what he decided to do. Over the course of several decades he restored a landscape and he speaks passionately about biodiversity, climate change and the environment, in India and abroad. He is now helping non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in other countries plant trees and create forests too.
“The planting of a tree is a modest form of immortality and one of the few truly long-term expressions of hope to mortal human beings.” – Voltaire
Dan Broun
Kuno Earth Media Centre Manager
Since the 1970's Majuli islander Jadav Payeng has been planting trees in order to save his island. To date he has single handedly planted a forest larger than Central Park in New York. His forest has transformed what was once a barren wasteland, into a lush oasis, home to endangered species and so much more.
Humble yet passionate and philosophical about his work, Payeng takes us on a journey into his incredible forest.
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” – Chinese proverb
An agricultural scientist once said to Jadev, "plant trees and they will take care of us".
So, when he saw his home, Majuli island, turning into a desert, that’s exactly what he decided to do. Over the course of several decades he restored a landscape and he speaks passionately about biodiversity, climate change and the environment, in India and abroad. He is now helping non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in other countries plant trees and create forests too.
“The planting of a tree is a modest form of immortality and one of the few truly long-term expressions of hope to mortal human beings.” – Voltaire
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