Sunyani: The Department of Forest Science at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), supported by the Global Greengrants Fund (GGGF), has initiated a tree planting project to re-green Senior High Schools as a strategy to mitigate climate change impacts.
According to Ghana News Agency, Professor Daniel Akoto, the Head of the Department, spearheaded the initiative alongside students and the Ahafo Young Women's Movement (AYoM), a non-governmental organization focused on women's causes. This effort, funded by the Global Greengrants Fund (GGF), aims to re-green schools such as Sunyani SHS and Sunyani Seventh Day SHS, aligning with the government's Tree for Life initiative (T4L) scheduled for 2025. The team also assessed the condition of previously planted trees at Fiapre Kyem Amponsah SHS.
Professor Akoto explained that the visit's purpose was to evaluate the survival and growth of the planted trees and educate students on the importance of tree planting and environmental stewardship in combating climate change. He emphasized the role of the department and its partners in sensitizing students about the value of nurturing trees.
The Vice Chancellor of UENR, Prof Elvis Asare Bediako, tasked the department with leading the university's response to the national call for sustainable communities and environmental action. Prof Akoto highlighted the department's involvement in the Bono Regional launch of the T4L initiative at Saint James SHS, where trees were also planted.
The tree planting exercises align with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals 11 and 13, which focus on sustainable cities and climate action. SDG 11 aims to create inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities, while SDG 13 addresses the urgent need to combat climate change and its impacts. To conclude the week's activities, trees were planted on the UENR campus to reaffirm the University's commitment to environmental sustainability.
Mrs Opuni Frimpong, leading the tree planting team, educated students on the significance of trees in urban environments and their role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. She discussed the benefits of urban forests, the management of urban trees, and the importance of public participation in protecting and managing urban forestry.
Mrs Frimpong highlighted how trees benefit humanity by providing oxygen, sequestering carbon, and offering materials for timber, medicines, and other products. She also addressed the concept of global warming and the role of trees in mitigating climate change impacts.
