More than 3,000 volunteers will gather on Saturday in Poienarii Burchii, Prahova County, for an event entitled 'Forest of Friendship', aiming to set a new world record for simultaneous tree planting, the Ministry of Environment, Waters and Forests (MMAP) said in a press release sent to AGERPRES on Tuesday.

The event, organised by the Act for Tomorrow Association and Kaufland Romania, is supported by the Environment Ministry. The environment minister, ministry employees and representatives of institutions and organisations under its authority, coordination or supervision will also take part in the tree-planting initiative.

The National Forest Administration - Romsilva is contributing 30,000 saplings to the creation of the Forest of Friendship.

'The Environment Ministry supports initiatives of this kind and encourages as many people as possible to become involved in protecting nature. I thank everyone who is making this event possible and congratulate them on the example they are setting for the entire country. Every sapling planted is an investment in the future, and every volunteer demonstrates that environmental responsibility begins with concrete action. We want to set a new world record, but the most important achievement will be the forest that will grow here for future generations,' Environment Minister Natalia Intotero said in the press release.

More than 50 companies are involved in preparing the event, contributing resources, products, services and teams of volunteers. Their support covers activities such as transporting materials, preparing the land and providing equipment and meals for participants.

Communities from five universities and three forestry high schools are also joining the initiative: the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, the University of Bucharest, the Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest, the Bucharest University of Economic Studies, the Petroleum-Gas University of Ploiesti, the Dr. Nicolae Rucareanu Forestry Technological High School in Brasov, the Theodor Pietraru Forestry College in Branesti and the Forestry Technological High School in Campina.

University students, school pupils and teachers will therefore plant trees alongside the other volunteers, drawing on the specialist knowledge of those studying or working in forestry.

'For Romania's record attempt to be validated, each participant must correctly plant at least one tree within the designated time. After the world record attempt is completed, participants will continue planting, with the day's target being 35,000 saplings, which will lay the foundations for a new forest for the local community. Organisers will provide volunteers with the necessary tools and gloves, water, snacks and a hot meal. The programme will also include opportunities for relaxation and socialising,' the ministry said.

The current world record stands at 2,055 participants and was set in India in July 2025. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Daniel Badea; EN - writing by: Simona Iacob)