Compared to a decade ago, people are more conscious of their environment. Environment and Ecology subjects are included in school curriculum. VPF have contributed in creating public awareness and concern towards the problems of environment, deforestation, pollution etc. No doubt at present the level of awareness is quite low not only among the grown-ups but among children also. But majority of people find themselves in a state of helplessness, as they do not know in what way they can contribute to environmental conservation.

This is due to the fact that at present most of our awareness programmes are not coupled with action oriented programmes. While the action-oriented programmes like large scale tree plantation with people's participation (mainly children) is done without proper backing of the element of awareness. VPF designs the programmes in such a way to make it socially relevant by the people associated with it. To formulate any successful environmental programme, it is necessary to make it socially relevant. For this, first step would be to inculcate a sense of observation & curiosity for nature. This will develop among the people an appreciation, respect and love for nature.

To achieve some of the goals, we have devised a tree plantation programme for children. The objective of this project is to involve children, in such activities so as to rehabilitate the environment around them through some hands-on activities which would develop among them the love and fascination for the nature. Under this programme we would encourage groups of children to plant a tree and adopt it for 2 to 3 years. During this period they are required to maintain a record book named "OUR TREE RECORD BOOK".

This activity could be taken up either in a school, group-housing society or in a colony by a few groups of children (3 to 4 children in each group). These children would first give a name to each group and proceed to plant a tree in an identified area, in suitable season. For example in a school the trees may be planted along the boundary to create the green belt. The children in a colony may plant trees in a park after involving the local authorities and residential welfare organization. If there is no developed park, then it may be developed at identified site by planting tree in monsoon or in the months of February-March.

The performance of each group would be monitored on the basis of their record book and the growth of plant after every six months. Also after every six months a nature camp would be organised for selected groups associated with this programme at a place rich in natural endowments.