Leo: The High Commissioner of Sissili Province, Tewende Isaac Sia, officially launched the “Patriotic Hour to Re-green Faso” initiative this Saturday, June 20, 2026, in the courtyard of the High Commission in Leo. This initiative is part of the National Tree Day (JNA) celebrations. The presidential reforestation campaign, themed “My Concession, My Tree,” aims to meet the national challenge of planting 5 million trees in a single hour. The ceremony was marked by the symbolic planting of four plants by the High Commissioner, representatives of the town hall, retirees, and women’s associations, followed by a distribution of several local species for individual plantings in the concessions.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the unique aspect of the 2026 edition lies in the empowerment of each citizen. High Commissioner Tewende Isaac Sia emphasized that “every Burkinab¨ is asked to plant a seedling,” highlighting that everyone can plant at home, in front of their yard, or in their own field.
Comrade Sia explained that a national time slot from 8:00 to 9:00 AM has been established to synchronize citizen efforts with those of the Head of State at the Presidency of Burkina Faso. He urged participants to collect their saplings from the Provincial Directorate of Water and Forests and to actively participate in their follow-up. He advised on proper planting methods and the importance of protective barriers around the trees, aiming for a success rate of at least 90%.
The Provincial Director of Water and Forests of Sissili, Karim Yeye, outlined the technical roadmap to achieve the goal of 5 million trees, structured around planting, registering, and maintaining. Comrade Yeye highlighted the importance of securing land rights for the sites, choosing species adapted to the soil, and using a rigorous digging method.
Yeye also called for public participation in citizen monitoring to combat issues like stray animals and water scarcity, recommending protective measures like metal fencing or thorny shrubs. He emphasized the need for registration of every action, either via an online platform or with departmental services.
Latifatou Nebie/Nignan, the communal coordinator for women in Leo, praised the initiative, stating that “planting a tree is giving life.” She appealed for general mobilization and highlighted the support of women for the Head of State’s vision, urging everyone to ensure the saplings are well cared for.