Governor Babagana Zulum on Wednesday inaugurated the one million trees planting campaign to reclaim soil fertility and check desertification in the state.
Speaking at the ceremony at the Borno State University, Maiduguri, Zulum said that the exercise was aimed at increasing the adaptive capacity toward reducing the negative impact of soil erosion, climate change with a view to accelerate afforestation.
He said: “This year’s tree planting campaign which is the first of its kind in the past ten years, became necessary due to pressures from desertification, deforestation, soil erosion, poverty, and insecurity.”
The Governor explained that human activities like bush burning, illegal tree felling has continuously put pressure on the already fragile ecosystem thereby threatening food security.
Mr Zulum expressed concern over desertification facing the state, noting that his administration was committed toward reversing the scenario.
“Government has already commenced raising of some seedlings, with the annual 1km desert reclamation programme which is handled by the Ministry of Environment.
The governor also announced a policy under which all construction in the state would be accompanied by planting of trees to cushion the environmental impacts of such developmental projects.
The governor also presented gas cookers to women to promote other alternative sources of energy for domestic use.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Environment, Modu Walama said one million assorted trees including those with commercial values would be planted in nine Local Government Areas.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the trees include moringa oleifera, baobab, mango, eucalyptus, guava, cashew, neem, pawpaw, and tamarind among others.
NAN report that Borno is among one states worse hit by the negative impacts of climate change in Nigeria.
The sustainable development goal number 13 urges the global community to “take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts by regulating emissions and promoting developments in renewable energy.”
NAN
