By Amin Kef Sesay
Probably, more than any other physical development initiative by President Bio and the New Direction Government, the most far-reaching is that of the five million countrywide tree planting initiative that he announced last week.
Globally, reforestation is an important environmental issue of growing concern. International programs like the United Nations Initiative for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (UN-REDD) are key for implementing global programs for reducing deforestation, emissions through reforestation and afforestation projects which brings with them huge financial gains.
As such, certainly, President Bio’s 5 million trees project is ambitious as it is laudable. However, before looking at the beneficial relationship between tree planting (otherwise known as reforestation) and the environment, there are some unanswered questions about implementation of the project.
- Within which institutional framework is it going to be implemented?
- Which type of trees would be planted?
- How many trees will be planted by district, chiefdom?
- Who are the people who will lead the process in the different districts and chiefdoms?
- What would be the role of Councils and Paramount Chiefs in the implementation?
- Who and who will be employed as workers, volunteers, etc?
- Most importantly where will the nurseries be located and what would be the logistic requirements of the entire project?
- Last but not the least, what is the budget for the project?
There are other questions agro-forestry experts would like to throw in concerning the requirements for rolling out what definitely is an extensive project of this nation countrywide.
Environmentally, we all know that reforestation helps the environment to stay healthy. Gases like carbon dioxide and methane are major contributors to the changing climates. Planting new trees can help to reduce the amount of CO2 in the air. Reforestation is an effective mitigation strategy to fight global warming. In addition to benefiting the climate, reforestation helps protect important species of animals. Reforestation helps to rebuild habitats and degradation which are the leading threats to the health of a species.
Deforestation, which is frightening in this country (75% of the primary forest cover is gone) damages soil and habitats through erosion. Reforestation can help to restore what the erosion has damaged. In addition, regional watersheds that have been damaged by deforestation can be brought back to health through reforestation. Regional watersheds are an important resource for human development.
Reforestation can also help humans to address world hunger issues and deal with water usage and availability. Restoring forests has many benefits on the chemical, social and biological levels of an entire ecosystem. Reforestation can also help to supply jobs for those who lack skills to be employed in other industries. Therefore, it benefits not only the environment, but the economy as well.
Thus, overall, planting trees supports recovery of ravaged landscapes, improves water quality, mitigates climate change, and so much more. By planting 5 million trees, we are investing in healthy forests for today and for future generations.
We at The Calabash as such commend President Bio for thinking of a green future for beloved Mama Salone. We all can join in by each planting fruit trees in our backyards.
