Re-afforestation in Auroville

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Auroville is going through tough times, but there is much that we can do to collectively protect all that has been realized in 50+ years, while moving towards Auroville’s progress and future.

Here are just a few examples of what you, as an individual, can do:

Sign the Change.org petition
Keep yourself updated
Spread the news on all social platforms and in conversations
Reach out to diplomats, journalists and change-makers
Contribute financially to support affected Aurovilians, or to cover legal and delegation fees
Offer your time, skills and energy
Offer inner presence and emotional support

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In a Nutshell

When Auroville was inaugurated in 1968, the Auroville plateau was a red desert made of dry canyons. In half a century, Aurovilians planted over 3 million trees, transforming the barren land into a lush canopy. This has mainly led to the regeneration of the native Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest (TDEF), which is on the verge of extinction.

This re-afforestation work was possible thanks to the hard work and dedication of several Auroville residents, with national and international support. Today, the world looks up to Auroville as a leading example and pioneer in the field of re-afforestation. Auroville forests currently represent a surface of approximately 1250 acres.

Since 2021, a new Governing Board of the Auroville Foundation and its Secretary, Dr Jayanti Ravi, have been threatening the existence of Auroville forests, partly due to a real-estate development project which is based on fallacious and narrow-minded interpretations of Auroville’s Galaxy concept and Master Plan. You can find a summary of the crisis currently unfolding in Auroville here.

1968

2020

"I travelled in this area where you are now and I remember how it was a desert. You have made this desert bloom. Let the spiritual flame that is Auroville always remain an affirming flame in the midst of the sea of despair that we see all around. Let this flame be bright so that darkness can be dispelled. Thank you again for the privilege of serving this project."

Dr. M. S. Swaminathan, ex-Chairman of the Auroville Governing Board, 1997

Documentary Film

Ever Slow Green is a 56 minutes documentary film released in 2020, which won many awards. The documentary is realized by Brainfever Media Productions, an activity registered under the Auroville Foundation.

Ever Slow Green tells the story of Auroville’s 50-years-young forest through some of the diverse characters who have dedicated their lives to bringing it to fruition. Today, the lush Auroville forest is an outstanding example of eco-restoration that recreates and preserves a type of tropical forest that is on the verge of extinction.

More Resources

If you’d like to read more about re-afforestation in Auroville, you can explore the following links.

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If you have questions about what’s happening to Auroville, or would like to help – financially or otherwise – please get in touch!

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