In a world desperate for innovative solutions to combat climate change, One Goal, 100 Trees has emerged as a transformative initiative that is rewriting the rules of environmental restoration. Created by Nourish Africa, this project ingeniously combines the universal love of football with the urgent need to restore ecosystems. By planting 100 trees for every goal scored during organized matches, it has turned one of the world’s most beloved sports into a powerful tool for healing the planet.
This initiative, which has garnered international recognition from the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, UNEP, FAO, PANORAMA Solutions in Australia, and GIZ’s Restoration Journal in Bonn, Germany, is not just about planting trees it is about empowering communities, fostering climate action, and building a sustainable future.
Football has an unparalleled ability to unite people across cultures, geographies, and generations. Recognizing this, Nourish Africa has leveraged the sport to engage youth, women, and local communities in restoration efforts. The simplicity of the idea scoring goals to plant trees has inspired widespread participation, transforming fans, players, and spectators into environmental stewards. Beyond the pitch, football tournaments double as platforms for education, raising awareness about conservation and equipping communities with the knowledge to protect their natural resources.
The impact of One Goal, 100 Trees is profound. To date, over thousands trees have been planted, including native species and fruit-bearing trees. These trees are not only revitalizing degraded landscapes but are also contributing to carbon sequestration, improving soil health, and enhancing biodiversity.
Youth engagement lies at the heart of this initiative. More than 12,800 young people have been reached, transforming a generation into champions of restoration. Football, a sport deeply embedded in their daily lives, serves as a gateway to understanding the importance of ecosystem restoration. This dynamic approach ensures the movement’s sustainability, as youth carry the torch of conservation into the future.
The global acclaim of One Goal, 100 Trees is a testament to its scalability and replicability. Recognized by UNEP and FAO as a model for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it directly addresses SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). It has also been spotlighted in PANORAMA Solutions and the GIZ Restoration Journal as a solution that unites community-led action with innovative strategies.
Nourish Africa envisions scaling this initiative further, planting millions of trees and inspiring communities worldwide. With every goal scored, One Goal, 100 Trees proves that even the simplest ideas can drive monumental change. Football is no longer just a sport it’s a beacon of hope, a tool for restoration, and a call to action for a greener, healthier planet. This is not just a project; it is a movement that is winning the world’s most critical match: the fight to save our environment.
Written By Nourish Africa Team with the facilitate of Eng. Balbina Andrew. Executive Director- Nourish Africa. Restoration Advocate, Indigenous community leader.
