By Salifu Faridat
In a bold response to Burkina Faso’s alarming deforestation crisis, the renowned British non-governmental organization (NGO), Tree Aid, has embarked on an ambitious mission to reforest the nation.
With a remarkable goal of planting 1.5 million trees across the country, the initiative aims to combat the adverse effects of climate change.
Burkina Faso is grappling with a critical situation as over 105,000 hectares of forest vanish annually, according to the Ministry of the Environment, Water, and Sanitation.
Addressing this urgent issue, the “1,500,000 utility species seedlings to strengthen community resilience in a context of security crisis and climate change” campaign was inaugurated on August 4, 2023, in Koulpélé, a commune in the Bazèga province.
Spearheading this comprehensive effort, Tree Aid collaborates with the Burkina Faso Ministry of the Environment, Water, and Sanitation.
This groundbreaking campaign involves planting a variety of tree species, including the iconic baobab, the shea or butter tree, and the valuable savannah fruit-bearing néré tree.
Tree Aid will also take responsibility for nurturing and maintaining these plants. Beyond rejuvenating forest cover, the initiative aims to bolster the resilience of local communities, who are navigating security crises and the pressing challenges of climate change.
In harmony with Burkina Faso’s environmental protection guidelines and national initiatives, the “1,500,000 utility species seedlings to strengthen community resilience in a context of security crisis and climate change” campaign aligns seamlessly.
Launched following the fifth National Tree Day on July 15, 2023, this reforestation project is an integral part of these endeavors.
The ultimate vision is to expand the forested area in this West African country, currently estimated at 3.9 million hectares by the Burkina Faso Ministry of the Environment, comprising around 14% of the national territory.
Tree Aid remains deeply involved in various other projects within Burkina Faso, including the “Weoog-Paani” initiative that enhances local governance and decentralized forest management.
Additionally, the NGO is driving the third phase of the non-timber forest products (NTFP3) development support program and actively participating in the Great Green Wall (GGW) initiative in Burkina Faso.
This initiative reflects Tree Aid’s unwavering commitment to mitigating the environmental challenges facing the region and strengthening the resilience of its communities.
