Nakambe: The Nakambe region mobilized strongly on Saturday morning for the second edition of ‘The Patriotic Hour to Green Up Faso’. Administrative and traditional authorities, community leaders, and local residents responded to the call from the President of Burkina Faso by dedicating an hour to planting trees. With a regional target of 500,000 seedlings, officials expressed optimism about achieving, or even exceeding, this goal aimed at combating desertification and the effects of climate change.
According to Burkina Information Agency, present on the ground in Tenkodogo, the governor of the Nakambe region, Comrade Yiye Abraham Somde, praised the commitment of the people and public services mobilized simultaneously in the different localities of the region. He stated that this presidential initiative constitutes a concrete response to the environmental challenges facing Burkina Faso.
“We aim to plant 500,000 plants in the Nakambe region and, given the enthusiasm we have seen, we are convinced that this objective will be achieved and even exceeded,” he said. The governor urged residents not only to plant trees, but also to maintain them to ensure their survival. He emphasized the importance of planting within residential areas and on their properties to allow for regular monitoring of the young plants.
Naaba Guiguempole Dima of Zoungrantenga, King of Tenkodogo, expressed his full support for the initiative. He noted that the tree holds a central place in African traditions. ‘Since the dawn of time, the tree has been a source of life. It nourishes, heals and brings people together. Our ancestors gathered under trees to resolve conflicts and seal peace,’ he stressed, inviting people to plant trees en masse for future generations.
The regional director of Water and Forests of Nakambe, Lieutenant-Colonel Jean Bosco Zongo, regional coordinator of the activity, explained that this operation is part of the national dynamic to fight against desertification and climate change. He indicated that the species planted include fruit trees such as mango, papaya and neem, as well as shade-loving and local species adapted to the climatic conditions of the region.
According to him, this year’s theme, “My concession, a tree”, is a major innovation likely to significantly improve the survival rate of the plants. “The trees planted in the concessions benefit from close monitoring. With awareness campaigns on their maintenance, protection against animals and the use of protective grids, we expect a success rate of over 95%,” he stated.
The forestry official also announced that the seedlings remain available from nurseries and forestry services in the lead-up to National Tree Day scheduled for June 27. Through this widespread popular mobilization, the Nakambe region reaffirms its commitment to restoring vegetation cover and protecting the environment. Between the presidential vision, the support of traditional authorities, and the involvement of the population, the “Patriotic Hour to Green Up Burkina Faso” is proving to be a powerful lever for building a greener, more resilient, and more prosperous Burkina Faso.