Trees Planted at the “My Forest Child” Project Site
Students from secondary schools in Nalaikh District joined decision makers in contributing to the creation of a forest.
Every year in autumn and spring, Mongolia observes nationwide tree planting days. This spring, tree planting activities are continuing at the “My Forest Child” project site, implemented by Save the Children Mongolia in Nalaikh District, Ulaanbaatar.
Representatives from Save the Children Mongolia, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the Ministry of Education , along with students from Secondary School No. 119 and Erdmiin Orgil School in Nalaikh District, took part in a joint tree planting activity. On May 24, 2026, participants visited the project site, learned about the initiative and planted trees together.
During the event, children and decision makers planted 190 trees, including pine, larch, cedar, spruce, honeysuckle, and willow.
Speaking at the opening, Bayan-Altai Luvsandorj, Country Director of Save the Children in Mongolia, said: “We would like to thank everyone who came to support our efforts to create a forest in Nalaikh District by planting trees at the project site. Today’s activity is being organized ahead of the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UNCCD (COP17). We plan to introduce this green initiative, carried out with the active participation of children, to international delegates visiting Mongolia.
Over the past 2-3 years, Save the Children has been implementing similar projects globally focusing on climate change and green development. One of the unique aspects of our project is that it provides children, young people, and local communities with practical education on climate change and tree planting by directly engaging them in creating a forest. If the ‘My Forest Child’ project proves successful, we aim to expand similar child-led model projects to all 21 provinces of Mongolia.”
Sh. Batbayar, State Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, expressed support for the project implemented by Save the Children and thanked the organization for promoting ecological education among children and teaching them how to plant and grow trees.
Addressing the students, he said: “Do not think of tree planting as a one-day activity. Please come back often to water and care for the trees you planted. Take photos of your trees and visit them again when you graduate. Continue planting trees and caring for nature as part of the fight against climate change.”
Munkh-Orgil, Head of the Finance and Investment Division at the Ministry of Education, remarked: “I hope tree planting becomes a lifelong commitment for all of you, not something done today. By planting trees, you are contributing to global efforts against climate change. Be role models for those around you and help spread awareness. May all the trees you planted grow strong.”
Meanwhile, S.Saruul-Ukhaan noted: “One day, when we become parents ourselves, we will be able to look back and see how much the trees we planted with our own hands have grown. That will become a meaningful life experience for all of you.”
Funded by Save the Children Korea, “My Forest Child” project (2024–2027) aims to establish a five-hectare forest in the 5th khoroo of Nalaikh District, Ulaanbaatar, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts. The project also seeks to provide residents with knowledge and practical skills in tree planting, while strengthening ecological education and encouraging active participation among students from schools, colleges, and vocational training centers in the district.
Since planting activities began at the project site, more than 5,000 trees have been planted to date. In addition, a greenhouse containing 600 seedlings and saplings of seven different species has been established.
As part of the project, 50 residents of Nalaikh District have been trained as trainers. These trainers are now conducting a series of educational sessions for local communities and children. In cooperation with the Nalaikh District Department of Urban Development and Public Services and the Seniors’ Committee, the project has also delivered training to more than 3,200 participants, including 34,8 percent children and 6582 percent adults.
Furthermore, the “My Forest Child” project is working closely with eco clubs at schools across Nalaikh District. Through initiatives led by eco club students, small-scale projects aimed at promoting ecological education and raising awareness about climate change have been implemented in five schools and a college.
The project site is powered by an environmentally friendly renewable energy system, while a deep groundwater well provides a reliable water source for irrigation. Together, these measures have created a sustainable long-term system for growing and maintaining trees.
Save the Children in Mongolia is also giving importance to the engagement and participation of children and young people in activities organized in connection with the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP17). Today’s tree-planting activity serves as one of the lead-up initiatives to the conference.