New Town, December 13, 2025:
Reaffirming its unwavering commitment to environmental protection and mental wellbeing, Florence organised a meaningful afforestation drive at New Town on Friday morning. The initiative underscored Florence’s holistic approach to sustainability, seamlessly linking ecological responsibility with emotional and community health.
Aligned with the United Nations Global Compact, Florence actively works in close harmony with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly those focused on climate action, good health and wellbeing, and sustainable cities and communities. The afforestation drive reflected these global commitments at the grassroots level, translating vision into action.
The programme was graced by the presence of Mr. S. M. Ghosh, a renowned environmentalist whose lifelong dedication to conservation has inspired generations. His participation added gravitas to the initiative and reinforced the urgency of restoring green cover in the face of climate change, deteriorating air quality, and rapidly expanding urban landscapes.
A significant highlight of the drive was the visionary leadership of Ms. Shrestha Ganguly, Head of Florence. Under her guidance, Florence has consistently championed initiatives at the intersection of environmental sustainability and mental health. Advocating afforestation as a powerful tool for emotional wellbeing and community healing, she emphasised that green initiatives must be inclusive, continuous, and deeply connected to human health, making tree plantation a year-round commitment rather than a seasonal activity.
The drive also brought attention to the critical role trees play in enhancing mental health—by reducing stress, improving emotional balance, and fostering healthier living environments. Beyond psychological benefits, trees significantly improve air quality, regulate local climate by absorbing heat, providing shade, and moderating temperature extremes, thereby making urban spaces more liveable and resilient.
Through this initiative, Florence once again called for collective responsibility and conscious action, reinforcing the belief that protecting nature is inseparable from protecting mental health. As the organisation continues its journey toward building a greener and more compassionate future, the New Town afforestation drive stood as a powerful reminder that sustainable development begins with nurturing both the planet and the human mind. 🌱
