Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture David Songulashvili spoke about the importance of the “My First Seedling” project, noting that the state programme approved by the Government of Georgia will help foster, from an early age, a sense of environmental stewardship and a responsible attitude towards nature among first-grade students.

According to the Minister, the project will be launched on 22 October as part of the International Tree Planting Day initiative and will continue for one month. More than 41,000 first-graders across Georgia will participate in the initiative and plant their first tree. Activities will follow a designated schedule, taking into account the specific characteristics of each region and municipality.

“This is a very significant and large-scale project that will give every first-grader across Georgia the opportunity to plant their very first tree.

This year, more than 41,000 first-graders will participate in an initiative designed to teach children from an early age to care for the environment and develop a strong sense of responsibility towards nature. The project will be financed with resources allocated for restoring environmental damage. Thus, on the one hand, we will be able to contribute to restoring environmental damage, while on the other, we will instil environmental responsibility in our children from an early age”, - said David Songulashvili.

He further noted that particular emphasis would be placed on the subsequent care and monitoring of the seedlings planted by the children. To this end, an electronic platform will be developed, enabling each child to monitor the growth and development of their own tree.

“The project will commence on 22 October and will be implemented throughout Georgia over the course of one month, according to a designated schedule. Planting sites and seedlings will be selected with due consideration for the specific characteristics of each region and municipality. The process will involve the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Regional Development, municipalities, Tbilisi City Hall, schools, teachers, school principals, and parents.

An electronic platform will be created to help each child monitor the growth and development of the tree they planted. “My First Seedling” will become an annual programme, linking the beginning of the school year for first-graders each year with this important initiative. Ultimately, when these children graduate from school, they will leave behind a mature tree that will contribute to a healthier and greener environment”, - said the Minister.