MASINDI -In a bid to contribute to environmental conservation, 40 government-aided schools and private schools in Masindi district have started planting 30,000 tree seedlings. The initiative to plant the trees is a result of a partnership between Masindi District Local Government, Shines Children’s Foundation [SCF], and Mid-Western Region Centre for Democracy and Human Rights [MICOD].
Speaking during the launch of the project at Shines children’s Foundation offices last week in Kigulya Division, SCF Executive Director, Denis Kirya, said that they decided to take this campaign to schools because they want pupils to appreciate the value of conserving the environment.
“This programme is looking at practically planting trees, bringing awareness and environment protection discussions to schools, and ecosystem recovery,” said Kirya.
He said they would want people to play a proactive role in environmental protection, adding that school debates on environmental conservation would further make pupils change agents in the communities.
Other interventions
MICOD in partnership with National Forestry Authority (NFA) has also restored 400 hectares of degraded areas of Budongo Central Forest Reserve, which also led to the establishment 14 hectares of community woodlot for 200 households. A woodlet is a restricted area of woodland usually privately maintained as a source of fuel, posts, and lumber.
MICOD Executive Director, Lawrence Kangula said they have also provided 600 beehives and trained 196 households neighbouring Budongo Forest in Apiary.
Geoffrey Kiiza Bigabwa, the Masindi district Secretary for Production and Natural Resources underscored the need for the project implementers to put emphasis on the indigenous trees, which he said are environmentally friendly and medicinal.
“Taking this campaign to children in schools is the right decision since children are able to cause a positive change. As local government authorities we are ready to support it,” he said.
Wilfred Milton Kutegeka, the LCIII chairperson Kigulya Division said that the division always passes budgets that address environmental conservation issues.
Anthony Akoko the Masindi District Forest Officer pledged to give the necessary technical support for the project to succeed.
In 2016, Masindi district council passed a policy whereby they banned the laying of wreaths on coffins during the burial ceremonies and others and replaced them [wreaths] with trees.
According to Akoko, the policy has been seriously embraced and the number of trees planted is increasing.
“During burial ceremonies people lay trees instead of a wreath and the people have embraced it because they are doing it without anyone forcing them,” he explained.
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