The Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet), in partnership with SDG Thursday, Global Green Restoring Initiative (GGRI) and 17 other youth-led networks/NGOs launched the Reclaiming Landscape Project (RLP) planting 1000 trees.
The tree-planting project was part of CSDevNet’s activities to mark the 2021 World Environment Day, with the theme: “Ecosystem Restoration- re-imagine, recreate, restore“.
World Environment Day WED is celebrated to remind all states of their commitment to preserve the environment we live in, and raise awareness on climate change.
Every year, events take place around the world to inform communities about the impact their individual actions have on the environment and to suggest ways to better treat the world we live in. The UN General Assembly proclaimed this day in its 1972 resolution.
The Goal of the Reclaiming Landscape Project (RLP) is the innovative application of Flora Landscapes and Afforestation to eradicate poverty, reduce hunger, improve health and wellbeing, build resilient and sustainable cities and communities, empower women and youths, preserve biodiversity and celebrate our cultural heritage.
The over 1,000 trees planted marked the beginning of a significant stride in the fight for Ecosystem Restoration which aligns with the United Nations Decade of Ecosystem Restoration (2021 -2030) plan launched on the 5th of June 2021.
This is an opportunity to bring together all stakeholders of the Environment; from secondary school students to government ministries, agencies and departments, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Social Groups and Networks, Private Organizations and individuals; to educate them on the value and necessity of Ecosystem Restoration and act in unity towards achieving the One common goal of Sustainable Development.
RLP commenced with a tree planting exercise at Junior Secondary School, Jikwoyi, AMAC, FCT, with the approval of FCT UBEB (Universal Basic Education Board), and the full cooperation of the school principal Mrs, Isah Talatu Adamu JP, who helped in mobilizing the school students and teachers to be present at the tree planting event, which held on a Saturday.
350 tree seedlings were obtained with the cooperation of the Federal Ministry of Environment, through the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) for the particular purpose of marking the World Environmental Day.
Speaking at the event, Mr Paul Sawa, Grand Patron Association of Flower Nurseries and Landscaping Practitioners (AFNLP), captivated the students’ attention on the value and necessity of our ecosystem and the need for its preservation/restoration in a warm introductory speech.
Following, Dr. Miss Jennifer Ojeme (CEO Triumph Educational Consult Limited), emphasized the need for Unity and Synergy among all stakeholders for the Restoration of our Environment and Great Nation, Nigeria.
The event comprised goodwill messages from partners of the Tree Planting project. The Representative of CSDevNet, Mr Lucky Abeng, charged the students to be active in the climate justice fight and ensure that the trees planted survive.
He also appreciated the staff for coming out on a Saturday for Nature. “It is time to advocate for Nature-Based solution for an effective Ecosystem Restoration and also mainstream same into the curriculum of learning,” he said.
Barr. Mrs Dorcas Nantap, the Deputy Coordinator of SDGs Thursday, took the students and staff of the secondary school through the 17 SDGs stressing the goals that directly relate to climate and environment. She also encouraged staff and students to adopt a sustainable lifestyle from now on.
The School Principal Mrs, Isah Talatu Adamu Jp rounded the Good will message with a solid charge to the students on the importance of their role to the success of the Tree Planting Project.
The event had over 120 students in attendance, 16 teachers and about 30 volunteers representing 17 different organizations, both Non-profit and for profit.
With 300 seedlings, everyone participated in planting a tree and giving the tree a name of their choice, thereby signifying their roles and commitment towards Ecosystem Restoration.
The students were grouped according to their class arms, and a supervisor was assigned to guide the students in the planting and naming.
The principal kick-started the tree planting with the help of some teachers and students, and every other group followed suit.
The students successful planted their trees and came up with inspiring and creative names for their trees, such as Ecosystem, Restoration of life, Peace & Unity, Knowledge & Empowerment, Victorious, Jexi, YoungVibes, WindBreaker, LoinKing, Principal Tree, amongst others.
The event graced such a beautiful sight, with lots of eagerness, excitement and cooperation between the students, teachers and partners alike.
Event partners dug more holes and planted more trees to represent their organizations. Out of the 100 seedlings, 90 were planted within the school premises.
The event was successful because of the contributions of the following institutions:
FCT UBEB, Department of Parks & Recreation, SDGs Thursday, NULiFE Project Limited, Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet), Triumph Educational Consult Limited, Ifrique Eco Solutions, Impacting Rural Communities in Nigeria (IRUCIN), Zero Emission Catalyst Solution (ZECS), IBI Foundation, MHCDI, and Young Advocates.
