An inspiring ecological initiative of Isha Foundation, Project Green Hands seeks to prevent and reverse environmental degradation and enable sustainable living. The project aims to create 10% additional green cover in the state of Tamil Nadu in southern India. Drawing extensively on people's participation, 114 million trees will be planted state-wide by the year 2010.

As a first step, a mass tree planting marathon was held on October 17, 2006. It resulted in 852,587 saplings being planted in 6284 locations across 27 districts in the state, by over 256,289 volunteers in just one day, setting a Guinness World Record. Another 25 million plantings are proposed for the year 2007, with a grand public function planned on Sunday, 23rd September in Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, to launch the start of the planting season.

This large-scale tree planting project will enhance biodiversity, protect the soil, restore ecological balance and provide livelihood opportunities for thousands across the state. Mass awareness campaigns are planned to establish a culture of care for the environment. Starting from the geographical land area of Tamil Nadu, Project Green Hands seeks to inspire people around the world to keep this planet habitable for future generations.

This compelling plan reestablishes the power of individual action for large-scale change. The project is a massive effort in community building, encouraging supportive relationships between urban and rural societies, government and industry to shape the course of the world.