Application period extended for free saplings under the “I Plant for the Climate 2026–2027” programme

The Department of Forests has extended the application period for free saplings under the “I Plant for the Climate” programme through Friday, 20 November 2026. Applications may be made only by public bodies and organised groups: municipalities and communities, schools, other government services, ecclesiastical authorities, and other organised groups and citizens’ initiatives that can demonstrate they have secured suitable land for tree planting. Applications may be submitted in printed form at local forest stations or by email. Forms are available at forest stations and on the Department of Forests’ website.

Under the current Council of Ministers’ Decision, saplings may also be provided to individual citizens if demand from organised groups is not sufficient. This provision is expected to be activated around December 2026, after the number of plants approved for organised groups is known. Citizens will receive a small number, about 3–4 saplings per interested person; free saplings will also be distributed during Tree Week at designated points in various cities. The method for extending distribution to citizens until around the end of the planting season, at the end of February, will be announced later. If organised-group interest is lower than expected, up to 50,000 saplings may be allocated to citizens; otherwise, fewer will be made available so that the total supplied free to organised groups and citizens does not exceed the annual limit of 100,000 saplings. The programme contributes to the national target of planting 1,000,000 saplings by 2030, as part of the wider EU action to plant 3,000,000,000 trees by 2030.