The African Democracy and Resilience Network, in collaboration with the Central Equatoria State government, has launched a tree-planting initiative in...
The African Democracy and Resilience Network, in collaboration with the Central Equatoria State government, has launched a tree-planting initiative in Terekeka County aimed at combating deforestation driven by tree cutting for charcoal production.The initiative plans to produce more than 6,000 seedlings for distribution across the county’s six payams, promoting environmental conservation and encouraging communities to adopt sustainable livelihood alternatives.Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Wani Stephen Elias, executive director of the African Democracy and Resilience Network, said the project aims to reduce pressure on forests by encouraging communities to explore sustainable ways of using natural resources while generating income through tree planting.“There is a narrative that solving food insecurity involves cutting down trees. How do we respond by finding sustainable ways of using our natural resources? We also want to see communities generate income through planting trees,” Elias said.John Kenyi Berjak, acting director of forestry and environment in Terekeka County, said a local government assessment had identified widespread tree cutting in some payams, underscoring the need for increased public awareness and stronger environmental protection measures.Berjak said each of the county’s six payams would receive at least 1,000 seedlings under the initiative.“The project is very important for us because the 6,000 seedlings will be distributed across all six payams, with each payam receiving at least 1,000 seedlings,” he said.Gideon Samuel Jubora, first director general at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, said growing demand for charcoal in Juba had contributed to the destruction of trees, with many households relying on charcoal production for their livelihoods.Jubora called for stronger regulation of tree cutting, urging people to obtain authorization from relevant authorities before harvesting trees in forest areas.“Unnecessary cutting of trees should be regulated. When you want to go into the forest, you must seek permission from the authorities,” he said.The initiative is expected to help restore tree cover in Terekeka County while promoting tree planting as a sustainable alternative to charcoal-driven deforestation. Its success will depend on effective seedling distribution, community participation and measures to ensure newly planted trees survive and mature.
0 likes