By KT Reporter
In response to the growing destruction of the environment caused by the demand for wood fuel and charcoal, Zombo district youths have initiated environmental runs aimed at sensitizing locals about the importance of tree planting and restoring the depleted environment.
The leaders behind the initiative emphasize the critical need for community engagement to address the high risks of climate change, which has become a global concern. They believe that encouraging the community, especially youths, to plant trees will be a significant step in mitigating the effects of climate change.
The third edition of the Education and Environment Run is being organized in partnership with several non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including Life Concern, Nebbi NGO-Forum, and Community Empowerment for Rural Development (CEFORD), along with the Zombo District local government. The run aims to ensure the communities are fully equipped and sensitized on the benefits of tree planting to restore the environment. So far, the initiative has reached eight sub-counties and town councils, including Abanga, Jang-Okoro, Padea Town Council, Paidha Town Council, Nyapea, Zeu, Athuma, and Aka.
These areas have been actively engaged in tree-planting campaigns. Mr. Denis Ocuna, Program Officer at Life Concern, stressed that now is the right time for communities to adopt economic practices that focus on environmental restoration. “The issue of global warming is real, and we must take responsibility for encroaching on ecosystems. There is a need to advocate for massive tree planting, especially among the youth,” Ocuna said.
He also called on the government to implement an adaptation plan policy to safeguard the environment and conserve it for future generations. Joseph Manano, the Sub-county Chief of Abanga, highlighted that only 40% of the land in the sub-county is covered with trees, and the remaining 60% requires more attention. He explained that the high demand for commercial charcoal has led to the destruction of natural trees, leaving the environment barren.
“The youth, who should be planting more trees for their legacies, are instead cutting trees for charcoal because they want quick money to spend on alcohol,” Manano said. Bruno Manano, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner of Zombo, emphasized the need for sub-counties to enact by-laws to protect the environment. He reminisced about the thick forests that once existed in areas such as Lendu Forest, Ossi, and Awang, which have since been cleared.
“The population is growing, and the demand for wood fuel is high in our district. We need to sensitize the people and empower them in tree planting to restore the lost environments,” he said. Manano also pointed out the changing rain patterns and their link to the degradation of wetlands, which has led to food insecurity in the region.
Richard Awekani, the LC III Chairperson of Abanga Sub-county, echoed the importance of tree planting in the district. He urged the government to empower educational institutions and local communities with tree seedlings. “Most landowners in our area are poor and cannot afford seedlings. If possible, free tree seedlings should be provided to communities and learning institutions every year to help restore the forests in Zombo district,” Awekani said-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
