Empowering Young People to Restore Our Forests
Case study: Plant-for-the-Planet
Plant-for-the-Planet is a global movement that empowers young people and organisations to restore forest ecosystems and fight the climate crisis. Its work combines education, large-scale reforestation, research, and digital tools to protect existing forests and restore those lost.
However, to expand its work in key regions such as India, Plant-for-the-Planet required tailored legal support to navigate complex regulatory frameworks. Through A4ID’s pro bono programme, the organisation was able to access the legal expertise necessary to establish a compliant local entity and unlock its operations in the country.
The Challenge
Forests are critical to addressing the climate crisis. The world loses approximately 10 billion trees every year, undermining global efforts to limit temperature rise and protect ecosystems.
Plant-for-the-Planet’s model focuses on supporting young people to take climate action, while restoring forests at scale and developing innovative tools to track long-term environmental impact.
Yet despite its global reach, the organisation faced a significant barrier in India – one of the world’s most important regions for climate action due to its large youth population. Without a locally registered and compliant entity, Plant-for-the-Planet could not fully operate or collaborate with schools, public bodies, or local partners.
As Prem Raval, of Plant-for-the-Planet, explained: “We are a global movement… The solution for that was we had to set up an Indian entity… and this would only be possible if we had support from A4ID and SNA law firm.”
The Legal Intervention
Through its global network, A4ID connected Plant-for-the-Planet with pro bono legal experts from S&A Law Offices to support the organisation in establishing its presence in India. This support went beyond basic legal advice. It provided strategic guidance on:
- Entity structure and legal form
- Governance frameworks and board requirements
- Drafting of foundational legal documents, including the Memorandum of Association
- Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements
Reflecting on the experience, Prem noted: “What A4ID did was it connected us with these pro bono legal experts… guiding us through this entire decision-making process… giving clarity on governance structures… and the standard MOA drafting.”
He further highlighted the strategic value of the support: “What A4ID is doing is not just legal support… it’s strategy.”
The Impact
The legal support has enabled Plant-for-the-Planet to establish the foundations needed to operate effectively in India and scale its impact.
This expansion will allow the organisation to:
- Partner directly with schools, government bodies, and local organisations
- Expand education programmes for children and young people
- Restore forest ecosystems and increase tree planting initiatives
- Deploy digital tools to monitor and track long-term environmental impact
Plant-for-the-Planet already plants millions of trees annually and provides tools that have supported tens of millions more through global partnerships.
With a formal presence in India, the organisation expects its impact to grow significantly: “The value that will be created is going to be exponential because so far we haven’t been able to actively work in India.”
Importantly, the support has also delivered immediate practical benefits: “This guidance has already saved us months of uncertainty… helping us build the foundation for long-term climate impact across India.”
The Partnership
The collaboration between Plant-for-the-Planet, A4ID, and S&A Law demonstrates the power of pro bono legal assistance in enabling climate action. By addressing regulatory barriers, A4ID’s pro bono network transformed a critical operational challenge into an opportunity for growth and impact.
Prem summarised the experience: “I’m grateful on behalf of Plant-for-the-Planet for the support that A4ID has been making… this programme of support is helping us build a strong foundation for long-term climate impact across India.” When asked what pro bono support meant to him, he added: “I would say genie… in the legal and compliance space.”
Looking Ahead
With its new entity in India, Plant-for-the-Planet is positioned to scale its mission of empowering young people and restoring ecosystems in one of the most climate-critical regions in the world.
The organisation’s approach – combining youth leadership, science-led restoration, and digital innovation — demonstrates how global movements can drive local impact when supported by the right legal frameworks.
This case highlights how pro bono legal support plays a vital role in turning climate ambitions into real-world action – enabling organisations to overcome barriers, expand their reach, and deliver lasting environmental change.
What A4ID is doing is not just legal support… it’s strategy.”
Impact through Action
By leveraging legal expertise for public good, A4ID continues to support organisations like Plant-for-the-Planet to deliver meaningful, scalable solutions to the climate crisis
Get involved
Law firms, corporate legal departments, judiciaries and barristers’ chambers can partner with A4ID to provide pro bono legal services to governmental and non-governmental organisations dedicated to solutions to the climate crisis. Find out more about Pro Bono Legal Service – A4ID and join the SDG Legal Initiative.
