In a world where humans don't always seem to value our struggling environment, it's inspiring to see that even one person can make a sizable difference. Jadav Payeng grew up on Majuli Island on the Brahmaputra River in Assam, India.
Once upon a time, it was an oasis, completely covered by dense forests. But as people cut down the island's trees for their own profit, much of its wildlife was destroyed. Then 37 years ago, Jadav decided he had to do something about it. So in 1979, he planted his first tree at a fateful spot—an activity he has continued to this day.
Now, he has turned an area of the island almost twice as large as New York City's Central Park into a lush forest. It's a true tropical paradise, and as the vegetation came back, so did the animals. A herd of 115 elephants, as well as many rhinos, deer, and tigers call the island home now.