How Adopting Trees Has Saved This Indian State From Deforestation

When it comes to environmental conservation, every other state in India looks up to Sikkim, a tiny Himalayan region. Already known as the country’s only fully organic state, Sikkim now allows its people to legally adopt trees and forge kinship ties through an age-old local tradition.

The greenest state in India

Sikkim is the second smallest state in India and shares its borders with Nepal, Bhutan and China. It has always been ecologically conscious and the state government has introduced several initiatives aimed at preserving the beautiful natural landscape the region has been blessed with. For instance, the use of plastic has long been banned and only organic methods of farming are used here.

In fact, Sikkim’s first settlers, the Lepchas, have forged a close relationship with nature since ancient times. They consider themselves Mother Nature’s children and Mount Khangchendzonga is one of their main deities.

So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the people of Sikkim are now allowed to establish filial relationships with trees.

A unique way of preserving the environment

In 2017, the Forests, Environment and Wildlife Management Department of the state issued the Sikkim Forest Tree (Amity & Reverence) Rules, whereby natives can build lasting bonds with trees in three different ways.

First, they can legally adopt a tree as ‘his or her own child’. Secondly, they can preserve a tree in remembrance of a departed relative, in which case the tree will be called a ‘Smriti tree’. Thirdly, they can enter into a Mit or Mitini relationship with the tree, which entails forming a kinship with their chosen tree.

Mit (for male) or Mitini(for female) is a time-honoured practice among the locals, where two individuals who are not related by blood, form a familial bond. Two very close friends will usually undergo this ritual. We often hear people saying that their best friend is more like a brother or a sister and the Mit/Mitinicustom basically formalizes this belief.

With time, this custom had started to fade into oblivion. But the new green initiative in Sikkim is not only an innovative way of preserving the environment but also great for bringing back this forgotten tradition.

If the tree a person chooses to form a relationship with is in a public space, he or she has to seek due permissions from the Forest Department. And if the tree happens to be on someone else’s property, they will have to compensate the owner with the full amount of the market value of the timber obtained from the tree.

After official certificates have been obtained, any damage caused to the adopted tree will be considered a punishable offence.

With such a simple practice, inspired by its own local culture, Sikkim aims to save hundreds of its trees. Having already garnered applause for its organic movement, it is once again leading by example.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.