The Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement (OISCA) - International is a multi and trans-religious association formed in 1961. It has upheld the ideal of "constructing an international community based on the harmony of the material and spiritual," and been particularly active in the fields of sustainable agriculture, human resources development, forestation, and environmental education. OISCA-International has entered the 21st century with chapters and development missions located in two dozen countries and regions in the world.

　 Although the initial main point of emphasis was agriculture, OISCA soon reached the conclusion that it was a losing battle to promote agriculture and not address the problem of an increasingly deteriorating natural environment. OISCA observed that deforestation was particularly harmful as it causes the loss of soil and its nutrients, and is also a crucial factor in water related issues, such as flooding and water shortages.

　 Therefore, in 1980 OISCA started forestation projects, and in 1991 incepted the Children's Forest Program (CFP) to promote environmental consciousness and practice among rural communities. By fiscal year 2000, the CFP had spread to some 2,500 schools in the world. Countries with over one hundred schools having participated in the CFP include: Philippines (871), India (755), Bangladesh (184), Sri Lanka (168), Indonesia (106), and Malaysia (102). Other countries and regions that have taken part in the CFP include (in alphabetical order): Azerbaijan, Brazil, China, East Timor, Fiji Islands, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Tanzania, Thailand and Uruguay.

　 In 1993 OISCA-International became the first NGO to receive the United Nations "Earth Summit Award Toward Global Sustainability." In 1995, it became the first NGO from East and Southeast Asia to be awarded the highest consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. In April 2001, OISCA-International was selected by the NGO Section of the United Nations to become the first Coordinator of the Informal NGO Regional Network for Asia and the Pacific.