This coming Sunday, on the 5th of October, World Teachers’ Day will be celebrated!

This international day is recognized by the United Nations, and this year, we will shine the spotlight on some of our environmental teachers and those who inspire us!

Our Global Community as teachers

We do not have to look far to be inspired. Have a look at our global tree-planting map. You will see our tree-planting community spread over 69 countries, and you can read their tree-planting reports and dedications to be inspired!

For example, Inna Starren from T’bilisi, Georgia, told us that “Our young son wanted to plant his own tree after seeing us working in the garden. So today, we let him plant a new tree for this wonderful project. We, as being eco-friendly and nature-oriented, are proud to participate in this project!”

In another story, Yoan, Caroline, Shana, and Maya from Paphos, Cyprus, told us that “We, especially my husband, are trying to establish a forest garden in our apartment complex, although we are just tenants. There are some obstacles, but most neighbours find it beautiful and help out. Our kids are helping a lot and enjoying it. We hope we will get there!”

Halyna from Lviv, Ukraine, told us that “During the financial difficulties, one of my sources of survival was Kaiserwald (mini-forest in Lviv). There I learned to love nature, understand it, and respect everything it gives us. Last year, the idea of ​​planting many fruit trees and shrubs spontaneously arose. Someone will use fruit the way I now use the fruits of someone else’s labor.”

And finally, our friend Dom Briggs from Bolivia inspired us with his story, telling us that after planting his tree, “I realised I will never see this tree get as big as the huge trees around it. One day, someone else will sit in this house in this garden and see the tree, perhaps never knowing who planted it or the story behind it, but will enjoy it nevertheless. The sense of my own impermanence was strong. But a sense of achievement and belonging also sat with me as I looked at the future large tree without me.”

Dom Briggs planting in Bolivia.

Our founder, Tenzin Ösel Hita, as a teacher and source of inspiration

Tenzin Ösel Hita has inspired us in many ways. He started this wonderful project, and he continues to inspire us with his work and talks. Ösel once shared that “Our mission in Global Tree Initiative (GTI) is to improve people’s lives in general. Of course, there has to be an action first, in order to start the whole reaction chain, so planting trees is the first step. It is active compassion towards earth and every sentient being, without any expectation in return. That is true generosity.”

On another occasion, Ösel reminded us that “Our interdependence with the outer nature is something everyone can see. We have created our civilization from nature. Our food, building materials, energy sources, our clothing, and linens are all dependent on nature. Nothing exists in isolation. So, why do we think we are so independent?” 

Osel with Seedballs in Italy

Mother Nature as our teacher

Mother Nature has a lot to teach us. We simply have to pay attention and be open to her lessons. For example, she teaches us:

Generosity. Nature’s trees and plants provide us with food, shade, and fruit without expecting anything in return, offering a powerful example of selfless service and the beauty of giving.

Interdependence. She shows us how diverse species and elements rely on each other for survival, illustrating that cooperation and balance are essential for a healthy ecosystem.

And, she teaches us about Healing. Mother Nature offers a source of healing and restoration, whether through a walk in the woods or the restorative power of the ocean, encouraging us to take time to replenish our energy.

Our friends from Poihere te Natura, in Pīra’e, French Polynesia, enjoying the beauty of Mother Nature.

Our Environmental Heroes as our teachers

At the Global Tree Initiative, we acknowledge these three environmental heroes, and we are inspired by their work: The Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, and Greta Thunberg.

The Dalai Lama has long encouraged humanity to embrace a caring attitude towards the environment. He says that, by referring to our planet as our, “House,” or as, “Mother Earth,” we automatically feel concerned for our environment. He reminds us that “We must accept this. If we unbalance nature, humankind will suffer. Furthermore, as people alive today, we must consider future generations: a clean environment is a human right like any other. It is therefore part of our responsibility towards others to ensure that the world we pass on is as healthy, if not healthier, than when we found it.”

Greta Thunberg directly tells us that “I have learned you are never too small to make a difference.”

And, Desmond Tutu (1931–2021) from South Africa, reminded us about the urgency of caring for our planet. “We are already experiencing loss of life and livelihoods because of intensified storms, the shortage of fresh water, the spread of disease, and rising food prices. The most devastating effects are visited on the poor, those with no involvement in creating the problem — a deep injustice.”

Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama*

Are you inspired by our community and by our environmental heroes? Do you have your own inspiring story to share with the world? We would love to hear from you! Please, tell us about your environmental work or your tree-planting project, and we will write an inspiring story about you!

A very big THANK YOU to our global community, for teaching us about the environment, about tree-planting, and for showing us how we can work together for our planet.

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*Image source: Facebook post on Desmond Tutu page