By Daniel Karlmax.
Environmental stakeholders in the fight against climate change have emphasized the importance of trees in combating the devastating effects of climate change, including flooding, desertification and land degradation in Nigeria.
They described trees as one of nature’s most effective tools for combating climate change, noting that through photosynthesis, trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere and release oxygen, which is essential for the survival of humans and animals.
The emphasis was made during the launch and distribution of 5,000 tree seedlings by the Agriculture, Sustainable Land Use, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Restoration initiative to the Kaduna Climate Change Accountability Mechanism (KADCCAM) in Kaduna.
Presenting the seedlings to KADCCAM, the President of the Kaduna State Horticulture Association, Mr. Bala Umar, said trees are essential to the environment and communities.
According to him, trees help improve air quality, protect the soil, provide shade, support biodiversity, reduce the effects of climate change, and contribute to the economic well-being of farmers and communities.
He said the donation of the 5,000 economic and non-economic tree seedlings to KADCCAM demonstrates the association’s commitment to environmental protection, climate action, sustainable agriculture and community development.
“We are particularly pleased to have the Kaduna State Climate Change Accountability Mechanism (KADCCAM) with us today. We believe that meaningful environmental progress requires collaboration between farmers’ associations, government institutions, communities, development organizations and other stakeholders.
“I encourage KADCCAM and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that these seedlings are properly distributed, planted, protected and monitored so that this initiative produces lasting results.”
Mr. Umar further disclosed that the association remains committed to supporting farmers, promoting horticulture, encouraging sustainable agricultural practices and working with relevant institutions to address the environmental and economic challenges facing communities.
Receiving the donation, the Special Assistant to the Kaduna State Government on Climate Change, Mr. Yusuf Idris Amoke, described trees as “life givers, windbreakers and fertilizers for the soil,” stressing the need to sustain tree-planting efforts to protect the environment.
He said the initiative demonstrated the acceptance to the vision of the Kaduna State Governor, mal. Uba Sani to plant ten million trees for a greener, cleaner and a climate friendly Kaduna State.
According to Mr. Amoke, the fight against climate change is not limited to Kaduna State but extends to the entire northern Nigeria, which is battling desert encroachment, as well as southern Nigeria, which is facing the threat of ocean surge.
He therefore called for collective action to address these challenges and ensure environmental protection and sustainability.
The programme, themed “Plant Trees Today, Get Clean Air Tomorrow,” brought together environmental experts, government officials, religious leaders, traditional rulers, students, and other civil society organizations among other stakeholders.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the Kaduna State Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Interfaith Mediation Center (IMC) among others.
Daniel Karlmax.
