Today marked a significant milestone for the Rising Roots Morocco program—implemented by the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) and supported by The Big Heart Foundation. Our team joined the celebration of HAF’s 13th Annual Tree Planting Day, an initiative that embodies the foundation's long-standing commitment to working alongside local communities across Morocco for over 25 years.

The day began at the HAF office, where the energy of volunteers set the tone for a day of environmental stewardship. A Facebook Live session featuring the foundation’s president and a staff member in Oujda highlighted the broader impact of reforestation. For us, as Rising Roots Morocco participants, this was more than a learning moment; it was a chance to connect our local identities with a national mission, recognizing that every tree planted contributes to Morocco’s sustainable future and climate resilience.

Our field work took us to Bab Ghmat – Dar Al Tifl Sidi Bel Abbas, a center dedicated to caring for children. Here, the act of volunteering took a practical turn. We worked on clearing waste and preparing the soil before planting trees with the children. This interaction bridged the gap between environmental restoration and social responsibility, demonstrating that sustainable development is most effective when it is inclusive and community-led.

In a shift from the fields to local entrepreneurship, we visited a renowned restaurant in Marrakech. The founder’s story—starting a business from selling eggs in her village while battling cancer—served as a powerful reminder of resilience. Her journey reflects the same spirit of persistence that drives HAF’s mission: transforming small, local beginnings into lasting, impactful realities.

We returned to the program center at 6 PM, reflecting on a day that integrated environmental action with human connection. Participating in the 13th Annual Tree Planting Day reinforced our belief in the High Atlas Foundation’s mission. It reminded us that planting a tree is not just an environmental act; it is a commitment to the generations to come and a vital step toward a more sustainable and prosperous Morocco.