Cătălina Brînză is part of the Make It Grow project team, an initiative by JCI Bucharest that, since 2017, has planted over 30,000 saplings and mobilized entire communities to take part in environmental protection actions. Through her consistent involvement, Cătălina helps transform reforestation into a process that goes beyond planting trees: it fosters environmental education, solidarity, and responsibility toward future generations.
Cătălina, can you tell us how Make It Grow was founded and what is the organization’s main mission?
Before telling you about the project, let me tell you few things about JCI and JCI Bucharest. JCI (Junior Chamber International) was founded in 1915 in SUA, and is one of the most important NGO’s in the world, with around 200.000 members in more than 100 countries. Our mission is to provide leadership development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change in their communities. Now, JCI Bucharest is the local organization where I am am volunteer and is part of JCI Romania Federation. In Romania we have 8 Local Organizations (JCI Bucharest, JCI Constanta, JCI Iasi, JCI Suceava, JCI Targu Mures, JCI Sibiu, JCI Cluj and JCI Timisoara). JCI Bucharest was the first founded in 2002.
In JCI we have four areas of opportunities: Individual Development, which focuses on personal growth and leadership skills; Community Action, for hands-on projects addressing local needs; International Cooperation, to foster global connections and understanding; and Business and Entrepreneurship, supporting innovation, networking, and economic growth
Make It Grow project was founded in 2017, as part of the Community Action pillar. We had already 14 editions, and we succeded to plant around 30.000 saplings.
The Make It Grow project is an initiative that promotes environmental responsibility (such as waste separation, recycling, tree planting, etc.) by encouraging the development and use of practices and technologies that do not cause temporary or irreversible damage to the environment. Environmental education, achieved through the involvement of members, supporters, and other active citizens from the community in actions that contribute to improving the environment we live in, is the core idea behind this initiative.
Why did you choose to focus on tree planting as an environmental solution? What long-term impact are you aiming for?
Before developing any new project in JCI, we conduct a needs analysis of our community. Pollution and poor environmental education emerged as key issues, and that’s how Make It Grow was born.
In the same time, tree planting is one of the most effective and accessible ways to address multiple environmental challenges at once. Trees act as natural carbon sinks, helping to mitigate climate change, while also improving air quality, restoring biodiversity, and preventing soil erosion. Beyond the ecological benefits, tree planting also has a strong social dimension: it brings communities together, creates opportunities for environmental education, and allows people to see tangible results of their efforts. We chose this approach because it combines measurable environmental impact with community engagement in a very direct and meaningful way.
Our long-term vision is to create resilient ecosystems that support both nature and people. This means not only increasing forest cover, but also ensuring that the trees we plant thrive and become part of balanced, healthy ecosystems. We want to see biodiversity return, soil fertility restored, and local communities benefiting from cleaner air, cooler urban and rural environments, and a stronger connection to nature. Ultimately, the goal is to leave behind a legacy of sustainable green spaces that will continue to protect the environment and improve quality of life for generations to come.
What values and principles do you follow in each reforestation project?
At the core of every reforestation project we run are three guiding principles: sustainability, responsibility, and community. Sustainability means we don’t just plant trees for numbers we focus on the right species, in the right places, and ensure long-term care so that the forests can thrive for decades. Responsibility reflects our duty to the environment and future generations. We aim to restore ecosystems without creating new imbalances, always respecting natural biodiversity. Community involvement is essential. We believe reforestation is not only about trees, but also about people working together, learning, and building a culture of environmental stewardship. These values ensure that our work creates lasting impact both ecologically and socially.
What are the main steps in the process of planting a tree, from selecting the site and species to planting and maintenance?
The main steps before each planting activity are: the site assessment, the preparation phase, and the maintenance phase. We collaborate closely with the Forest District from Comana (Ocolul Silvic), they are one of our strategic partners, and they provide the technical expertise for each of these steps. They handle site preparation, proper planting methods, and post-planting care. This includes watering, mulching, protecting the saplings, and monitoring their growth to ensure the trees reach maturity. Our role is to bring in the community, resources, and long-term vision, while the Forest District ensures that everything is done according to best forestry practices. Together, we make sure the reforestation efforts are both scientifically sound and sustainable in the long run.
How do you choose tree species based on the area where you are planting?
Tree species are always selected based on the specific conditions of the site soil type, climate, altitude, and the biodiversity that needs to be supported. Our priority is to use native species that naturally belong to the ecosystem, because they have the best chances of survival and contribute to restoring ecological balance. As mentioned before, we have our strategic partner, Forest District from Comana, and we count on their expertize in this process. Their experts analyze the site, recommend the appropriate species, and make sure the trees we plant are well adapted to the local environment. They also oversee the technical steps of planting and maintenance, ensuring that our reforestation projects are sustainable in the long term.
What are the biggest challenges when planting trees in Romania?
One of the main challenges is climate variability increasingly hot summers and irregular rainfall can make it harder for young trees to survive without additional care. We also face logistical challenges, such as accessing the planting sites and mobilizing enough resources and volunteers during short planting seasons. Finally, there’s the challenge of long-term maintenance planting a tree is just the first step, but ensuring that it survives and grows into a healthy forest requires consistent follow-up. This is why we work closely with the Forest District, whose expertise ensures the right species are planted in the right places and cared for properly. Collaboration between institutions, NGOs, and local communities is key to overcoming these challenges in Romania.
Is there an optimal season for planting trees, and why?
Yes there are two optimal seasons for planting trees in Romania: spring and autumn. These periods offer mild temperatures and higher soil moisture, which help young trees establish their root systems before facing extreme weather conditions. Planting in spring gives saplings an entire growing season to adapt, while autumn planting benefits from cooler air and still-warm soil, which reduces stress on the trees. Together with the Forest District, we schedule all planting activities in these windows, usually in March and November, to maximize survival rates and ensure the long-term success of reforestation efforts.
What benefits does tree planting bring to the environment and local communities?
Tree planting has a wide range of benefits, both ecological and social. Environmentally, trees act as natural carbon sinks, helping to mitigate climate change. They improve air quality, prevent soil erosion, enhance water retention, and support biodiversity by providing habitats for wildlife. Over time, these efforts help restore degraded ecosystems and create resilient landscapes. For local communities, trees improve quality of life by creating green spaces, reducing urban heat, and even providing economic benefits such as fruit, timber, or non-timber forest products. Reforestation projects also foster a sense of community, as residents come together to participate, learn about environmental stewardship, and take pride in contributing to a lasting, positive change in their surroundings.
How do you measure the success of a reforestation project?
We measure success not just by the number of trees we plant or that survive, but by the positive impact on the ecosystem and the community. Educating young people to protect nature and understand the importance of planting seedlings not just to increase forests and green spaces, but to contribute to the well-being of the planet through small yet meaningful actions is both a moral duty and a key motivation behind this project. A truly successful initiative is one where healthy forests grow, more people participate each year, and children are inspired to care for and connect with the environment.
Have you noticed an increase in interest from local communities in tree planting activities?
Yes, definitely. From one edition to the next, we see a growing number of participants, including many families who bring their children to learn about protecting the environment. This intergenerational involvement is very encouraging—it shows that people are not only aware of the importance of reforestation but also eager to take part in it. For us, this is one of the most valuable outcomes: communities coming together, children receiving environmental education through hands-on experience, and a shared sense of responsibility being built for the future of our forests and our planet.
What has been the most memorable experience you’ve had with volunteers during a planting project?
One of the most memorable moments was seeing families planting trees together especially children who were so enthusiastic to get their hands in the soil. I remember a little girl proudly naming “her” tree and promising to come back every year to check on it. Moments like these show that we’re not just planting forests, but also planting values in the next generation.
For me, that combination of environmental action and emotional connection is unforgettable. It proves that reforestation is not only about restoring nature, but also about inspiring people to care for it.
What are Make It Grow’s objectives for the next 5 years in Romania and internationally?
In Romania, our goal is to expand reforestation efforts by planting more trees each year, as we set a target of 55.555 tress, and we are half way there. Increasing survival rates through proper maintenance, and engaging even more families, schools, and local communities in our projects. A key objective is to strengthen environmental education helping young people understand that small actions, like planting a seedling, can have a big impact on the planet’s future. Internationally, we aim to build partnerships with other JCI organizations and environmental NGOs to exchange best practices, share expertise, and launch collaborative projects. Our vision is to grow Make It Grow into a network of initiatives that not only restore forests, but also inspire a culture of responsibility and care for the environment across borders.
How do you see the future of reforestation as a tool to combat climate change?
Reforestation will continue to be one of the most powerful and natural tools we have to fight climate change. Trees act as long-term carbon sinks, but their role goes far beyond that they restore biodiversity, regulate water cycles, reduce the effects of heat waves, and strengthen ecosystems against extreme weather events. In the future, I see reforestation becoming even more strategic, combining science and community action: choosing the right species for resilience, using technology to monitor growth, and engaging local communities so that people are directly involved in protecting and expanding green areas. Ultimately, while reforestation alone won’t solve climate change, it is a vital piece of the puzzle and when paired with education, responsible land management, and sustainable practices, it has the power to transform landscapes and mindsets for generations to come.
Credit foto: Mircea Ciucă
