Ouagadougou: The governor of the Nando region, Comrade Adama Jean-Yves Bere, officially launched the 2026 regional reforestation campaign at Norbert Zongo University, accompanied by the inauguration of the Student Grove. This ecological infrastructure was developed by the Nando Regional Directorate of Water and Forests, with funding from the State budget.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the campaign is aligned with the national theme "One institution, one grove", aiming to involve public institutions in restoring vegetation cover and combating climate change in Burkina Faso. Governor Bere emphasized that the initiative embodies the vision of the President and government to foster collective environmental protection efforts. He highlighted the critical challenges of land degradation, reduced vegetation cover, biodiversity loss, and water scarcity facing the nation.
Bere further elaborated that the Student Grove is more than a tree-planting initiative. "It is not simply about planting trees; it is about planting hope and passing on to future generations a culture of environmental responsibility," he stated, encouraging students to take charge of this legacy and ensure its sustainable upkeep.
Albert Soudre, Vice-President for Teaching, Pedagogical Innovation, and Professional Development at Norbert Zongo University, lauded the grove as a significant educational resource. He noted that it will function as a hub for learning, scientific research, and environmental awareness, while also enhancing campus life quality.
Soudre also committed to safeguarding and enriching the green space for the benefit of current and future student generations.
According to Louis Nebie, the regional director of Water and Forests in Nando, the project is in line with national directives to establish groves in public universities across Burkina Faso. He detailed that over 1,000 seedlings, spanning twenty species, will be planted on a three-hectare site, of which one hectare is already secured with fencing.
The project includes the drilling of a high-flow well and the installation of infrastructure to maintain consistent watering of the plants. Ultimately, the grove will host close to 200 plant species suited to the region's ecological conditions.
Nebie further assured that technical support will be provided to Norbert Zongo University for a minimum of three years to ensure high plant survival rates and to establish the Student Grove as a model for environmental education, research, and biodiversity conservation.
The event culminated with a planting demonstration, followed by a symbolic planting by administrative, university, and Water and Forestry officials, preceding the unveiling of the Student Grove's official sign.