Climate Curve

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Name of Project:

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Project Summary / Description:

The Billion Tree Project is Roundglass Foundation’s large-scale reforestation and ecosystem restoration initiative to restore degraded landscapes, conserve biodiversity and improve climate resilience in Punjab. The programme plants native, non-invasive trees selected through sustainable, science-driven methods for high carbon sequestration and resilience to ecological stress. Trees are raised in Roundglass-owned nurseries, planted on community, farmer and public lands, and supported through community participation, awareness programmes and aftercare. With a target of 1 billion trees by 2035, the project revives over 170 native species, creates jobs, generates livelihoods, strengthens ecosystems against extreme weather, enhances soil and water health, and contributes to India’s climate goals.

How Project Affects Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions:

['Reduces GHGs (e.g., projects that reduce sources of GHGs, such as through efficiency or other changes in consumption)', 'Removes/stores GHGs (e.g., projects that capture, sequester, or otherwise enhance the "sinks" that accumulate and store GHGs)']

Impact on Underrepresented Groups:

The Billion Tree Project is designed as a community-led climate solution that actively engages groups often underrepresented in the climate movement, particularly women, youth, rural communities and climate-vulnerable populations in Punjab. The project operates in agrarian regions facing groundwater depletion, soil degradation and climate stress, directly involving those most affected by environmental decline in restoration efforts. Women and youth participate in nursery operations, plantation activities, aftercare and monitoring, with significant employment generated through convergence with government schemes such as MGNREGA, where women’s participation is high (58.1% in 2024-25). Youth clubs and local volunteers are engaged through awareness programmes, trainings and hands-on implementation, building environmental stewardship and climate literacy. 

Community institutions such as Panchayats are central to decision-making, site selection and long-term maintenance, ensuring local ownership and inclusion. Within the organisation’s programmes, representation of these groups is reflected through sustained community participation, livelihood creation and capacity building rather than extractive or externally driven interventions. By embedding climate action within local governance, livelihoods and education, the project empowers underrepresented groups not only as beneficiaries but as long-term stewards of ecological restoration and climate resilience.