While many were focused on the soil and the saplings during the High Atlas Foundation’s (HAF) 13th Annual Tree Planting Day, I experienced the day from a different perspective: behind the camera. As a participant in the Rising Roots Morocco program—implemented by the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) and supported by The Big Heart Foundation—my mission was to document the energy and the smiles that defined this milestone event. Being the "eye" of the day allowed me to see things others might miss: the intense concentration on a staff member's face during a live broadcast, the gentle way a volunteer guided a child’s hand at Bab Ghmat, and the resilience in the eyes of the entrepreneur we met in Marrakech. Every click of my shutter was an effort to preserve the spirit of "Rising Roots" and ensure that the story of this national mission was told with the dignity it deserves.

However, being a photographer didn't mean I stayed on the sidelines. Between framing shots and capturing portraits of our dedicated staff and participants, I was right there in the dirt. I balanced my camera with one hand while helping clear waste, preparing the soil, and passing tools to my fellow volunteers. I felt a unique connection to the mission by documenting the hard work of others while simultaneously lending my own strength to the cause.

By the time we returned to the center at 6 PM, my memory cards were full and my clothes were dusty. Looking back through my photos, I realized that sustainability isn't just about the environment; it’s about the people who show up to change it. I am proud to have captured the visual legacy of this day—a day where every photo and every planted tree represented a commitment to a greener, more prosperous Morocco.