Spring is the time for planting trees. To encourage the public to get involved and improve the environment around them, the European Union has launched the initiative “3 Billion Trees”, which aims to add significantly to the total number of trees across the EU by 2030. On the initiative's website you can see how others have got on with putting the initiative into practice, and make your own contribution.

How to take part in the initiative?

1. Plant a tree – in your garden, by your house, at a school, in a yard, on company grounds or in a community space.
2. Register it on the EU map – visit the initiative's website and add your tree to the global map.
3. Inspire others – share your story on social media using the hashtag #3BillionTrees.

By taking part in the initiative, participants undertake that the registered tree has been planted with the knowledge and permission of the landowner and with the aim of growing it to full size, creating a new planting in an urban area, a home garden, a school garden or on company grounds. The tree must be suited to the particular setting and to local climate and soil conditions. It is recommended to choose a tree from among native species – pines, birches, limes, oaks and others. Participants also undertake to ensure that the sapling is planted correctly and protected from damage, so that it grows and thrives for decades to come.

To register your planted tree on the initiative's MapMyTree site, you need to create an account, either as an individual or on behalf of an organisation, and give the tree's location (approximately – the map is interactive), as well as the tree species, planting date, number of trees and other basic information.

Individuals as well as organisations, local authorities, companies and schools can take part in the initiative – there is no limit on the number of trees.

Planting trees is a big step towards a healthier environment – it reduces the impact of climate change, improves air quality, increases biodiversity and creates a healthier environment for people and animals alike. Every tree planted helps to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the air, provides shade in hot summers, creates a home for birds and insects, and improves people's well-being.

Additional information:

The European Commission's initiative “3 Billion Trees” is part of the broader European Green Deal, which aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. This year, particular attention is being paid in Latvia to stepping up this initiative. The Latvian Rural Advisory and Training Centre, working together with interested organisations, will run an extensive campaign to promote the initiative, encouraging organisations, institutions and individual activists to get involved and take part in planting and registering trees.