Fighting climate change: Kwania district launches drive to plant trees at burial ceremonies

KWANIA-Kwania district leaders have launched a tree planting campaign at burial ceremonies in a bid to have communities contribute towards mitigating the effects of climate change.

Under the arrangement, trees will be planted at burial places. The number of trees planted will match the years the deceased lived on earth.

Kwania district environment office targets to plant 10,000 trees within a period of one year through the initiative to combat the effects of climate change which have hit the district in recent times.

The initiative dubbed “Environment speaks, plant a tree”, was launched on Sunday during the burial of the late Simon Okello, a prominent peasant farmer and the former LCI chairperson of Awanga village, Teioro parish in Abongomola Sub-county, Kwania district.

Okello died last week at age 78 after battling pressure, according to the medical report. 78 tree seedlings that include pines, musizi, and umbrella trees were planted, matching the years the late lived on earth.

Bonny Ogwal, Kwania district environment officer said the development is in recognition of the tremendous achievement of the former Awanga village boss, who he said planted several trees in his struggle to conserve the environment.

“Today we planted 78 trees to recognise the achievement of the late Simon Okello in a fight against environmental degradation. As the district, we shall not stop here. Trees will be planted at all burial places in the district and through this initiative, we intend to plant over 10,000 trees yearly to increase the forest cover in the district, “he said.

“I appeal to the public to embrace this initiative and plant more trees to mitigate climate change,” he added.

Esther Magala, Kwania district forestry officer said tree planting at burial ceremonies would not only conserve the environment but also help the bereaved families have long-lasting memories and serve as a living tribute to honour the achievement of the departed souls.

“Planting trees at burials will not only conserve the environment but will serve as a long-lasting memorial gift and a living tribute to the bereaved families. I am requesting our people to embrace planting of trees,” said Magala during a brief interview with this reporter on Sunday, shortly after the burial of the late Okello.

The priest of Abany parish, West Lango Diocese, Rev. Dickens Epila, while presiding over the funeral service for the late challenged mourners to emulate the late and plant more trees to avert climate change.

Locals who spoke to the Cooperator have welcomed the initiative. Esau Blessed Boy, a student at Uganda College of Commerce Aduku says the idea of planting trees at burial is a good one.

“Planting trees at burials will help us remember the departed relatives.  However, the district leaders should make it mandatory that we all plant trees during burials so that we can conserve the environment,”  Boy said.

Another resident Blessing Akao Uhuru, a resident of Adyel Kasubi, Lira City West Division said, “The idea is a unique one. I welcome it. We will include the money for tree seedlings in the burial budget.  This initiative should be extended to other districts in Lango Sub-region.

https://thecooperator.news/climate-change-coffee-farmers-tipped-on-agroforestry/

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