More than 40,000 first-graders to plant their first tree as part of gov’t program

Under an order issued by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, more than 40,000 first-graders across cities and villages throughout Georgia will plant their first tree.

According to the prime minister’s order, all first-graders registered across Georgia as of September 15, 2026, will be given the opportunity, with the involvement of educational institutions and local self-government bodies, to plant their own sapling and observe its growth and development.

The “My First Sapling” program aims to encourage the restoration and expansion of forests and green spaces through the active involvement of young people, promote biodiversity protection, increase public participation in efforts to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change, and foster the principles of sustainable development.

The program will also seek to integrate these objectives into Georgia’s long-term state policies on environmental protection, climate change and forest restoration.

Under the government order, areas owned by municipalities will be identified in populated areas or their surroundings, where greening activities will be carried out with the involvement of local authorities.

Sapling species will be selected based on environmental conditions, climate zones and biodiversity protection principles, while optimal planting periods will also be determined.

The government says the program will contribute to expanding green spaces in populated areas and their surroundings, improving air quality and local ecosystems, preventing soil degradation, and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and care for nature.

The program will be implemented by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture in coordination with the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth, the Ministry of Regional Development and local self-government bodies.

Under the order, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture will coordinate the planning and implementation of activities required for the program, including the procurement and transportation of saplings to designated planting areas. The ministry will also seek funding through the environmental program established under Article 14 of Georgia’s Law on Environmental Liability, conduct public awareness campaigns and monitor the implementation of the program.

The Ministry of Education, Science and Youth, in coordination with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, will facilitate the participation of first-graders in the planned activities, including arranging necessary transportation.

The Ministry of Regional Development and local self-government bodies, in coordination with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, will identify municipality-owned areas where saplings will be planted, organize the necessary planting activities and ensure the subsequent maintenance and care of the trees.