Forest Man

Humble yet passionate and philosophical about his work Jadev Payeng tells the story of how he decided to make a forest.

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
Forest Man

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
Dan Broun
Kuno Earth Media Centre Manager
Dan Broun is an experienced photo-journalist and passionate advocate for wild nature


Share

Help us to build a platform to connect people with planet earth!

Become a supporter

You might like...

Albatross Tasman Peninsula Marcio Conrado

Albatross: a life at sea

Karen Dick's love of seabirds goes back a long way to her university days. She is captivated by the big pelagics, who can live to a great age and spen...
Read more
Russ Fowler Sheep Bush Fest25

Farming and nature connection on the Central Highlands with Russ Fowler

"It's sort of in my veins, to be a part of nature. I think any farmer that loves their job really enjoys that aspect of farming, to see all the season...
Read more
Cover

Bruny Youth Story Prize

Bruny Youth Story Prize entry - Stuck adventures on Bruny Island, by Addison King
Read more
042 A7869

Lake Malbena

Lake Malbena is the heart of Tasmania's Western Lakes wilderness in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park. The lake was carved out of the surrounding l...
Read more

Newsletter

Sign up to keep in touch with articles, updates, events or news from Kuno, your platform for nature