On last week’s International Day of Forests, Fairventures Worldwide cooperated with Kyambogo University in Uganda to plant a forest of 600 trees on 2 acres of land in the university green belt.
Country director, Patience Naamara, highlighted the significance of these activities in her speech, noting that they coincide with the International Day for Forests celebrated each year on March 21st.
“As a reforestation organization, partnering with Kyambogo University to establish a forest within the campus is a strategic move towards enhancing tree cover in the country. However, we acknowledge that this action should have been taken 20 years ago,” Naamara remarked.
She emphasized the importance of involving students in tree planting, to aim for environmental stewardship and to encourage them to become agents of change within their communities.
“We targeted students below 30 years old, believing they will become advocates for reforestation. Their active participation fosters a sense of ownership, ensuring future protection of the forest,” Naamara explained.
Prof. Charles. K. Twesigye, from Kyambogo University’s Department of Biological Sciences, stressed the forest’s importance within the university.
“Establishing a forest on campus is invaluable, especially in the face of climate change. Universities focus on teaching, research, and community service, and this forest will serve as a field laboratory for environmental studies,” Prof. Kakwikire noted.
He emphasized the need for sustainable forest management, given its potential for academic research and teaching purposes.
Dr. Grace Kizito Bakyayita, Head of the Department of Environmental Science at Kyambogo University, also pointed out the urgency of tree planting amidst changing environmental patterns:
“We are witnessing shifts in seasons, attributed to climate change. It’s crucial to recognize that climate change evolves gradually, with present effects reflecting past actions. Therefore, we must modify our behavior and prioritize tree planting to mitigate climate change.”