Reforestation In Denmark – Zone 7

Dear Envirocare Coordinators, Go Green Champions, and Eco Explorers,

This month, we reflect on the spirit of unity and stewardship to serve the planet and to protect and preserve its existing bounty of natural resources. Collective efforts and responsibilities can inspire more environmentally friendly behaviours and a deeper respect for the environment.

In April 2024, the Sri Sathya Sai International Organization of Denmark collaborated with ‘Growing Trees Network,’ a non-governmental organisation, as one organic body. The organisation works with the Danish governmental agency, Naturstyrelsen (Government Agency of Nature). This agency has planted around 3.5 million trees since 2013 using machines. They celebrate newly planted forests.

Members of the public, companies, and social organisations can donate a few trees and help plant them by hand. Many of the forests (called ‘Folkeskov’ in Danish) and all newly planted trees are cared for by the Danish government agency, so that they can grow freely; they are protected from economic exploitation.

On April 22, around 100 children and adults, including 10 Sai devotees, participated in a tree planting activity near Karlslunde, in a forest called Greve Folkeskov on the populous island of Zealand in Denmark. They planted a total of 111 ash, beech and oak trees. 

On April 25, around 100 people, including 6 Sai devotees, participated in another tree planting event in a forest called Kirkendrup Folkeskov, near Odense in Funen, Denmark. They planted a total of 54 oak and wood pine trees. Each time a tree was planted and its roots covered with soil, Sai devotees chanted many ‘Om Sai Ram’. They enjoyed the Sai planting moment as the surrounding uplifting atmosphere reverberated with their purity of action, mind, and heart.

Hand Planting – An Interpersonal Touch To Mother Soil

'Our skin contains receptors that directly elicit emotional responses through stimulation of erogenous zones or nerve endings'² (Tjew-A-Sin et al., 2013). When our hands are in contact with soil and plants, these forms of touch, although fleeting, have a powerful and beneficial impact on our social and emotional functioning. Touching the soil, holding and rubbing it with our fingers is a cue to friendship with Mother Earth. As the adults and children dig their hands into the soil, this action develops and nurtures social and emotional skills. The hands and mind work together to repay Mother Earth for all her selfless and bountiful resources. The Sai devotees asked the tree planting events’ organisers what had prompted them to start organising these events by hand-planting a small piece of forest that was otherwise planted by machines. They replied that they wanted people to take ownership of the forest and to help take care of it.

“God does not teach us directly; He teaches us through Nature that surrounds us… God has written OM on every speck of Nature – that is the slate from which we have to learn from Him.” – Sri Sathya Sai Baba, July 17, 1981

It is a great time to renew your commitment to sustainability! Together, let's make a difference and protect our beautiful planet! 🌍.

Share with us the environmental initiatives you are organizing in your communities / countries / Zones at gogreen@sathyasai.org.

VISIT the Environmental Sustainability Hub for more insights, Go Green tips and resources.👨‍🌾

With Sai Love and Care,

Environmental Sustainability Committee 

Sri Sathya Sai International Organization

References

^{1. Sai100 Initiative - Offering for 100th Birthday}

^{2. Tjew-A-Sin, Mandy & Koole, Sander. (2013). That human touch that means so much: Exploring the tactile dimension of social life. Inquisitive Mind. 17. 1-17.} ‌