CLAN Fruit Forest Project

The CLAN Fruit Forest Project, led by the youth-led Climate Leaders Action Network (CLAN), is an initiative dedicated to "Planting Forest, Growing Futures" across India, starting with a signature program in Kerala.

Our Land and Work

Our core operations are centered in Kerala, with an expanding reach into Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttarakhand. The project is guided by Manoj Kumar IB, a renowned biodiversity conservationist who has spent over two decades transforming public spaces and schools into thriving green ecosystems. We focus on creating "living classrooms" where students directly engage with the soil, native seeds, and indigenous fruit tree varieties.

Our Goals

• Ecological Restoration: To plant resilient fruit forests that support local biodiversity by attracting birds, butterflies, and insects.
• Youth Empowerment: To nurture a pan-India network of young climate leaders who drive community-rooted sustainability.
• Educational Impact: To restore the connection between children and the natural world through hands-on environmental education.
• Food Sovereignty: To preserve regional plant heritage and provide long-term nutritional value to school communities.

Pilot and Expansion

Our pilot phase is launching at Kattukulam Higher Secondary School in Palakkad, a school with a 75-year legacy and a committed Nature Club. We aim to reach one school in each of Kerala's 14 districts in the first year, planting over 500 native saplings.

Use of Funds

The project requires approximately ₹35,000 per school or ₹4,90,000 for the entire 14-district project. These funds are utilized for:

• Core Resources: Native fruit saplings, organic manure, and gift saplings for students.
• Operations: Labour for pit digging, transportation, and interactive sessions led by Manoj Kumar IB.
• Community Engagement: Signboards, certificates, cloth bags, and refreshments for volunteers.

Addressing Challenges

To ensure the long-term success of these forests, we address the challenge of sustainability by:

• Building Ownership: Schools are responsible for the ongoing care of the forest through dedicated "Green Squads".
• Site Selection: Manoj Kumar IB personally selects sites that can support a forest for decades and provides the necessary training to students and staff.
• Inclusivity: We welcome partial or in-kind sponsorships to ensure every contribution helps overcome financial barriers.

Every tree planted is a promise to the future. We invite you to join us by hosting a forest, sponsoring our work, or spreading the word.