Djoro: The Djoro region aims to plant at least 200,000 trees between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. this Saturday, in celebration of National Tree Day, which coincides with Patriotic Hour, an initiative to re-green Burkina Faso. This effort is part of a broader national plan to plant five million trees in one hour across the country.

According to Burkina Information Agency, at the launch event, Djoro’s governor, Comrade Siaka Barro, highlighted the serious degradation of Burkina Faso’s vegetation cover, which impacts the environment, natural resources, and living conditions. He emphasized that this regional effort aligns with the national goal under the theme, “My concession, my tree.”

Governor Barro encouraged widespread participation in the tree planting initiative, urging the selection of useful species like fruit trees, medicinal trees, and local species compatible with the region’s ecology.

Comrade Lieutenant-Colonel Bonaventure Joseph Foe Traore, the regional director of the Environment, noted that the target of 200,000 trees is part of the intensive planting operation scheduled between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. He also mentioned that reforestation activities will extend throughout the campaign, with a regional aim of planting at least 500,000 trees.

He stressed the importance of not only planting trees but also ensuring their survival through regular maintenance, protection, and watering. Authorities have advised pet owners to secure their animals to prevent damage to young trees. They also called on service heads to monitor operations closely and maintain records for evaluating results.

Beyond the event, regional authorities are encouraging continued tree planting throughout the rainy season to combat desertification, land degradation, and climate change effects.