That is the point at which any further increase in average global temperatures will spell disaster for billions around the world - ranging from flooding of coastal areas to severe drought in inland areas. The Vrindavan area is already facing the impact of climate change.

The name Vrindavan means literally ‘forest of Vrinda', Vrinda being the name of the tulsi (Indian basil) plant. Now the tulsi forest has gone, and all that remains is dry dust that increasingly cannot be cultivated unless we make some drastic changes to the environment.

Our partner Food For Life Vrindavan Society has made a start, but needs your help.

With sponsorship from Fruit Tree Foundation, USA and the Earth Restoration Service (UK) in the last two years, over 3,000 trees were planted by Food For Life Vrindavan Society (FFLVS). The trees planted have a survival rate of 85%. This is a high rate and remains so, because we ensure that we match the trees to the needs of the people who will look after them, as well as to the local environmental conditions.

FFLVS plants trees in public areas and ensure that our teams of cleaners water these regularly. The planting and maintenance for a year of a single tree will cost just £14.

We are seeking sponsors for new projects in the current year. FFLVS offer fruit saplings to poor families to ensure that they have some benefit in the welfare of the tree. A programme of tree planting with families will cost £400 for 250 trees of differing varieties.

This is a practical programme addressing a part of the nutrition needs of the poorest whilst at the same time, ensuring the re- greening of Vrindavan. With trees, the soil is less likely to get eroded, ensuring not only its continued viability, but actually improving it through bringing back elements of the normal eco system that have been missing. If we all do a little to change the lives of those who need our help in a practical way, we will achieve fantastic things!