SLRD–YesEarth Flagship
Guardians of the Green
Why this model makes trees survive
The Guardians of the Green mission turns one-time planting events into living, community-owned forests through a step-by-step framework, deep local ownership and a transparent digital backbone.
← Back to mission overviewWhat Makes the Model Unique
A significant reason for high mortality in tree plantation drives across India is the absence of post-plantation care and protection. Often, once trees are planted, there is no mechanism or person responsible for their upkeep. This is where the YesEarth model stands apart.
Through SLRD, the initiative organizes communities into Forest Producer Groups (FPGs) for the management and stewardship of newly planted forests. These groups are central to the effort, not only implementing the drives but also ensuring long-term protection and care of saplings.
Plantations take place on community lands or government-permitted lands with full local participation. Tree species are carefully chosen so the community can sustainably harvest forest produce such as fruits, seeds and medicinal plants after a three-year gestation period. As the forest begins to generate income, the community’s role evolves from caretaker to protector, so livelihoods and conservation go hand in hand.
To enhance benefits further, YesEarth supports value addition units for forest produce, and provides fencing support for designated forest zones through the FPOs, ensuring better protection from grazing, fire and encroachment.
Step-by-Step Approach
Identification of degraded or deforested land using GIS and community mapping.
Establishment of decentralized nurseries managed by SHGs and FPOs with region-specific species.
A specialized Train the Trainer (ToT) program builds certified environmental leaders who train and mobilize youth, educators, NCC cadets, FPOs and eco-volunteers across India.
Local volunteers, school children and trained workers plant during optimal seasons; mulching, fencing and water harvesting protect the saplings.
Geotagging of every tree; survival, health and growth data captured and displayed on public dashboards.
MRV protocols under recognized carbon standards, with benefits shared with communities.
Unique Features
- Income-generating local enterprises in nursery management, composting, fencing and NTFP processing.
- Use of digital tools for transparency and impact verification.
- High emphasis on survival rates and community-driven protection mechanisms.
What Makes It Work
Villages, women’s groups, tribal councils and youth collectives are co-owners and implementers.
Collaboration with IITs, agricultural universities and forest research institutes ensures ecological suitability and technological robustness.
Youth engagement is central, with the YesEarth Youth Corps mobilized in schools, colleges and rural institutions.
Full transparency and traceability through dashboards, mobile apps, QR-coded tree IDs and satellite validation.
Financial Model & Carbon Strategy
The initiative is supported by a diversified funding approach involving CSR partnerships, government schemes, carbon financing and community support, designed for long-term sustainability while creating community value.
By integrating verified carbon credit mechanisms through internationally recognized standards such as Verra and Gold Standard, the initiative unlocks new climate finance opportunities that can be reinvested into community and forest development. By Year 3, plantations begin generating measurable carbon sequestration, with proceeds strengthening local economies and conservation incentives.
Digital Infrastructure & Engagement Tools
A robust digital ecosystem ensures transparency, engagement and accountability: a public dashboard with real-time data on tree counts, survival and carbon gains; a tree gifting platform with personalized digital tree IDs and QR-linked certificates; partner dashboards for CSR funders, donors and institutions; campus and youth programs with QR-based tracking, leaderboards and monthly action kits; and recognition through badges, rewards and leadership roles.
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Restore India’s forests, empower rural communities, combat climate change and inspire youth to lead climate action.
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