Imagine If We All Planted Our Age

 

What if we all planted our age every year? When I turned 30, I knew I didn’t want a conventional birthday. No cake, no party lights. Instead, I wanted something that reflected my values, something that would give life rather than consume it. So, I chose to celebrate my 30th birthday by planting 30 trees.

This all took place at Back to Eden Farm in Rwamagana, Rwanda, where, together with my team, we are establishing Rwanda’s first Agri-Ecotourism Model Farm, a living example of sustainable agriculture rooted in Regenerative Agriculture, Permaculture, and Organic Farming, combined with community-centered ecotourism.

For me, this wasn’t just about marking another year; it was about making a statement that every new age can also mean new growth, new roots, and renewed commitment to restoring the land that sustains us. As a farmer, researcher, and believer in regenerative agriculture, I have come to understand that our connection with the soil defines not just our food systems but our future.

The Idea Behind It

I have always believed that people should be at the heart of every sustainable action. Whether in designing policies, implementing projects, or managing a farm, people-centered approaches are what make change last. So when my 30th birthday was approaching, I wanted it to be something more meaningful, a moment that connects people, purpose, and the planet.

Rather than throwing a party, I chose to celebrate through tree planting; thirty trees for thirty years. But I didn’t want to do it alone. I wanted it to be a community event, where everyone could take part, learn, and share in the experience.

This idea also came from my deep passion for building sustainable and resilient agri-food systems. I wanted my birthday to reflect who I am and what I stand for. The trees we planted that day, I hope, will grow to live even longer than me; perhaps 30 years and beyond, contributing to soil health, biodiversity restoration, and a lasting impact for the community and the ecosystem around us.

The Day of the Celebration

On October 3rd, 2025, the day began like any other morning at Back to Eden Farm, but there was something different in the air; a sense of joy, anticipation, and unity. By mid-morning, community members began to arrive, carrying smiles, hoes, and tree seedlings. More than fifty people, from farmers and youth to neighbors and friends, gathered on the farm, ready to make the day meaningful.

Before the planting began, our agronomists and tree nursery technicians led an engaging and practical session on the importance of trees in sustainable agriculture, how they improve soil fertility, restore biodiversity, and regulate microclimates. This short training turned into an open conversation, a moment of shared learning between the Back to Eden team and the local community.

Then came the most exciting part, planting. The selection combined fruit trees that nourish and symbolize abundance; Avocado (Hass and Fuerte), Mango (Tommy), and Orange; with agroforestry species that enrich the soil, conserve water, and attract biodiversity; Markhamia lutea (Nile Tulip), Croton megalocarpus (Croton), Grevillea robusta (Silver Oak), Calliandra calothyrsus (Red Calliandra), and Jacaranda mimosifolia.

Each participant planted a tree and named it, symbolizing their personal connection to the environment. The air was filled with laughter, encouragement, and hope as everyone took turns digging, watering, and capturing memories. For me, I planted an orange tree and named“Baho” (Live), symbolizing biodiversity conservation and soil regeneration.

Me holding the orange seedling I named 'Baho' (Live), symbolizing biodiversity conservation and soil regeneration, October 3rd, 2025.

Nkumburwa Eric, a young local farmer, was visibly excited throughout the day. "It's my first time to see this," he said, naming his tree "Terambere", referring to the role of trees in sustainable development. He committed himself to regular visits to care for his tree and promised to celebrate his next birthday the same way. Moments like these reminded me that inspiration spreads when we create space for it.

Nkumburwa Eric, a young local farmer, with his tree 'Terambere' (Development). He committed to celebrating his next birthday the same way.

After the planting, we all gathered under the shade for a shared meal, a simple lunch that felt more like a feast of togetherness. The community sang, shared messages of appreciation, and expressed their excitement to see more of such activities in the future. For many, it wasn’t just a celebration of my birthday; it was a celebration of our shared commitment to restore the land and growing together.

Reflections and Lessons Learned

That day reminded me of something I have always believed; true celebration lies in creating something that lives beyond the moment. Birthdays come and go, but trees remain. The thirty trees we planted will grow, flower, and fruit for decades, contributing to soil restoration, climate resilience, and community nourishment. In many ways, these trees are a living reminder that small actions, when rooted in purpose, can have generational impact.

As a researcher and advocate for sustainable and resilient agri-food systems, this experience also deepened my conviction that people-centered approaches are the foundation of lasting change. The success of that day wasn’t just about how many trees we planted; it was about how many hearts we inspired. Seeing children, elders, and fellow farmers working side by side reaffirmed that sustainability cannot be achieved in isolation; it grows through collective effort and shared ownership.

More than fifty community members, farmers, youth, and neighbors, gathered at Back to Eden Farm to plant thirty trees, turning a birthday into a collective act of restoration

The initiative also demonstrated the power of integrating agroforestry and biodiversity restoration into everyday life. Each seedling planted that day; whether fruit tree or agroforestry species; contributes to the health of our soils, supports pollinators, and provides food, shade, and income opportunities.

Growing Legacy, Not Just Age

Turning thirty taught me that life’s milestones can mean more when we root them in purpose. Instead of counting years, I chose to grow years; literally, by planting trees that will outlive me and continue serving the planet. Each one symbolizes a lesson I have learned, a dream I hold, and a hope for the future.

At Back to Eden Farm, we believe that every action; no matter how small, can contribute to restoring our planet’s health. This birthday celebration was more than a personal milestone; it was a reminder that regeneration begins with intention. By planting those trees with the community, we planted trust, collaboration, and the spirit of stewardship that defines our mission.

If every environmental advocate, farmer, and youth planted as many trees as their age each year, imagine the forests we’d grow, the soils we’d restore, and the future we’d secure.

At Back to Eden Farm, we want to help you create your own tree-planting celebration. Whether it's your birthday, a family milestone, or simply a commitment to give back to the earth, we can organize and host your initiative. We'll provide the seedlings, the guidance, and the space to create a lasting memory, planting trees that will grow long after the day ends.

If this vision resonates with you, reach out to us at backtoedenfarm.rw@gmail.com or call us at +250780391520. Let's turn ages into forests, and milestones into legacies, together.