THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
At GoaFest 2025, marketing and communication industry leaders came together not only to celebrate creativity but also to back a green initiative by Earth Day.Org—the world’s largest environmental movement. In a symbolic ceremony at Taj Horizon, 12 trees were planted by top names like Srinivasan Swamy, Sam Balsara, Shashi Sinha, Ramesh Narayan, and Colvyn Harris.
Ramesh Narayan, who has planted thousands of trees across Maharashtra and helped develop urban forests, revealed that fellow industry leaders requested Earth Day.Org to plant 2,000 fruit-bearing trees in Goa. “This offsets GoaFest’s carbon footprint and shows our commitment to future generations,” he said.
Karuna Singh, regional director at Earth Day.Org, confirmed the 2,000-tree plantation will begin in full swing during the monsoon, benefiting Goan farmers through livelihood and shade for crops. Plans also include planting trees at Goa University for student engagement and environmental education.
Earth Day.Org is also open to launching mangrove plantation drives in Goa, if funded by NGOs or corporates. Mangroves help control floods and protect farmland from saline water.
Devapriya Dutt, director (Projects), South and Southeast Asia, said Earth Day.Org aims to plant 55,000 trees in 2025 to mark its 55th anniversary under The Canopy Project. “India’s tree cover is just 23%. If Bhutan can maintain over 50%, we must do better,” Dutt added.
