Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud launched a national tree-planting project yesterday.
The National Regreening Initiative aims to plant 10 million trees across Somalia as part of the efforts to boost biodiversity and climate resilience and curb deforestation amid devastating droughts.
President Mohamud planted the inaugural seedlings of a Tamarind tree.
He emphasized the importance of trees in combating repeated droughts that have plagued Somalia in recent decades.
“The destruction in Somalia did affect not only the people but also caused severe environmental problems. We lost the biodiversity that made our country world-renowned. As Somalia reestablishes its institutions, it should also coincide with regreening the environment and developing the public’s awareness for the welfare environment.”
President Mohamud directed government agencies to take the lead in the plan and plant trees in their offices and for people to plant trees in their homes and neighbourhoods.
He also encouraged Somali women, who have historically played an essential role in environmental care, to continue to lead the national effort.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has directed the Banadir Regional Administration and the Federal Government of Somalia’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to plant 100,000 trees in the capital over the next two months to continue the reforestation of state capitals, districts, and regions across the country.
