By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
The Anambra State Government through the Ministry of Environment on Monday, 10th June, launched the Tree Planting and Urban Forestation Initiative.
Speaking on the essence of the launch which took place in Awka, the Anambra State Capital, the Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Dr. Felix Odimegwu, harped on what he described as the immense importance of trees and their benefits to the environment and well-being of the people.
‘Every element of nature plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystem, but none is more vital than the tree. Trees are the lungs of the Earth, serving as natural air filters and essential sources of oxygen. They act as natural air conditioners, providing habitat and protection for a multitude of species, including humans.
He stated that trees were not only fundamental to wildlife but also to the economy, saying that they provided fruits that fed humans, animals and birds and were the primary source of raw materials for the paper and lumber industries. Additionally, he said, they offered refuge and play areas for various creatures and enhance the beauty and value of environment.
On Climate Regulation and Environmental Protection, Engr. Odimegwu emphasized that trees played a pivotal role in climate regulation. ‘They act as carbon sinks, storing carbon dioxide in their roots, trunks, and leaves, which helps mitigate climate change. They control soil erosion, capture rainwater, manage storm water flow and prevent flooding. Trees also reduce noise pollution by acting as barriers between homes and industrial areas.
‘Moreover, trees and forests are essential in our fight against climate change. They improve our quality of life on both a global and local scale, and strategic planting can even help save energy,’ he stated.
On Human Benefits, the Environment Commissioner noted that trees were indispensable for the survival of all living beings, noting that they offered food, shelter, and medicinal resources; as well as support diverse ecosystems, ensuring their stability and preventing biodiversity losses and produce food and contribute it to the entire ecosystem.
He also said they benefitted all living creatures, with many trees also possessing medicinal properties, with their roots, branches, leaves, and fruits being used in traditional herbal medicine.
On the urgency of tree planting, he said, ‘According to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, up to 40% of the planet’s land is degraded, directly affecting half of the world’s population and threatening global GDP. The frequency and duration of droughts have increased by 29% since 2000. Without urgent action, droughts may affect over three-quarters of the world’s population by 2050. Tree planting is a critical solution to these pressing challenges.’
On Anambra’s Green Initiatives, Odimegwu said that since the inception of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s administration, they had launched the “One House, Two Trees” Campaign. ‘This initiative mandates that every land owner plants at least two trees within his compound. The 35% green spacing initiative mandates that every land developer dedicates 35% of their land to green areas, including gardens and tree cover.
The cut-one-plant-three initiative ensures replacement of every tree cut down for whichever purpose. The State Government distributes and plants over one million hybrid Malaysian coconut trees and oil palm seedlings annually across all 21 local government areas by sustainably empowering her citizens with these seedlings to plant.
‘We also gift trees as birthday souvenirs to important personalities to encourage personal involvement in nurturing the environment. Key reforestation projects include the Unizik Forest Reserve, Enugwu Ukwu erosion site, Ekwueme Square, and the Anambra State House of Assembly.
‘Recently, the Federal Government planted 3,000 oil palms on erosion-prone sites in Nibo Awka as phytocontrol bioremediation measure to check erosion.
‘The launch of greening projects at Amazon Estates being developed by Senatorch and others further buttresses the deliberate intention of Anambra State Government to make Anambra a Green State,’ the Commissioner further explained.
Continuing, he said the Government was committed to enhancing the ecological and climate resilience of Anambra.
‘By launching this tree planting and urban forestation initiative, we aim to revive eroded lands and beautify our environment. We have designated June 10 as Anambra Tree Planting Day which is included in the environmental bill before the House of Assembly. Our vision is to see Anambra’s streets, roads, and highways adorned with trees, creating a green canopy.
‘Today, we will plant 200 trees: 100 Strep trees, 50 Tujar, 50 Queen Palms, and 50 Asoka trees. The planting will start from Revenue House to Book Foundation and will extend to Onitsha and other towns over time.
‘There is a Chinese proverb that says, “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is now.” Trees are our lifelines, and without them, our world would become barren and lifeless,’ he said.
Odimegwu urged the people of the state to join the Government in the greening journey to transform Anambra State with nature, stating, ‘Gold is a luxury; trees are necessities. Man can live without gold, but we cannot survive without trees.
‘What we are doing to the forests of the world is a reflection of what we are doing to ourselves and to one another. He who plants a tree, plants hope. Act Now for a Greener Tomorrow. Go Green, Breathe Clean. Green is the New Clean. Think Green, Act Green. Plant a tree today,’ he concluded.
The wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Dr (Mrs) Nonye Soludo; the Acting Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, COOU, Professor Kate Omenugha; top government functionaries, attended the launch.
