Ouagadougou: The Association for Taxation and Local Development (AFDL) planted seedlings within the grounds of the Saaba town hall, as part of the 2026 national reforestation campaign, themed 'One institution, one grove'. The activity brought together AFDL officials, municipal authorities, representatives of environmental services, customary authorities, citizen watchdogs, and members of the population.
According to Burkina Information Agency, AFDL project manager Issaka Maga stated that this operation reflects the association's desire to contribute to the restoration of vegetation cover and the promotion of sustainable local development. "Planting a tree today in Saaba is not simply planting a tree; it is an act of responsibility, of solidarity towards future generations and an act of hope," he said. Maga stressed the importance of maintaining and protecting the plants to ensure their survival and called on the population to shield them from fires, animals, and acts of destruction.
The chairman of the board of directors of the AFDL, Amos Zong-Naba, emphasized that reforestation aligns with the objectives of his organization, established on December 10, 2022. These objectives encompass the promotion of sustainable development, tax compliance, good governance, and citizen participation. "Local development is not just about budgets, taxes or duties. It also involves protecting our environment, improving our living conditions and preserving our natural heritage," he stressed.
Initially, the association planned to plant more trees, but the number was reduced to 21 based on available space and recommendations from local officials. Zong-Naba highlighted that the survival of the saplings is more important than their quantity. He also announced AFDL's intention to extend this initiative to other local authorities, with support from partners. Additionally, the association is conducting training for local government officials on mobilizing their own resources.
For the president of the special delegation of Saaba, Adolphe Athanase Thiombiano, the initiative constitutes a "good choice" for a rapidly growing municipality. "The tree is a model citizen. It asks for neither salary, nor fuel, nor compensation; it only asks for water, protection, and a little attention," he declared, encouraging the community to participate in the preservation of the plants. The special delegation has committed, together with the AFDL and relevant services, to ensure the monitoring and protection of the planted trees.
AFDL has also called on partners and individuals to support its actions in favor of the development of local communities. "Together, let's plant. Together, let's protect. Together, let's green Saaba. Together, let's build sustainable local development," concluded Maga.