Protecting trees, especially native species, plays a critical role in combating climate change. Forests absorb nearly 2.6 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, with trees acting as powerful carbon sinks that reduce the greenhouse effect. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), conserving and restoring forests could contribute up to 30% of the global climate mitigation needed by 2030. In India, initiatives like the Green India Mission aim to increase forest and tree cover by 5 million hectares, potentially sequestering 50 to 60 million tonnes of CO₂ annually. Native trees, being well-adapted to local conditions, are more resilient and efficient in long-term carbon capture, water retention, and temperature regulation—making their protection essential to climate resilience strategies.

In India, the tradition of collecting seeds and nurturing trees is deeply rooted in its cultural and spiritual practices. From ancient times, Indian communities have revered trees like the neem, peepal, banyan, and mango—not just for their utility but as sacred symbols of life and continuity.

Saving native trees is crucial for maintaining the ecological balance and preserving biodiversity. Native trees are uniquely adapted to local soils, climate, and wildlife, providing essential support to ecosystems. They help in conserving water, preventing soil erosion, and supporting native fauna such as birds, insects, and animals. In the face of climate change and environmental degradation, planting and protecting native trees ensures the survival of forests that are resilient and self-sustaining. Unlike exotic species, native trees require less maintenance and support long-term sustainability.

Centre for Urban Water Resources team is working on the initiative of protecting native species trees and creating urban sacred grooves with the financial support of HCL Foundation. A team of seven members, including gardeners from the Adavi site, came together for a four-day seed collection drive in the Jawadhu Hills. The team successfully collected over 25,000 seeds of 52 native tree species, along with 250 cuttings. The collected seeds will be carefully germinated in mother beds at the nursery. Once germinated, the seedlings will be transplanted into nursery bags, where they will be nurtured and raised for future plantation efforts aimed at enhancing green cover and sustaining local ecosystems.

KALVARAYAN HILL AND JAWATHU HILL SEED COLLECTION :-

SEED:-

Other seeds collected:

வெக்கினி, குழினி, சீத்தலை, நெருநாரை

STEM CUTTINGS

SAPINGS :