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More »Planning For A Greener Environment
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. (Saying in Uganda)
This programme begins in the SALEM tree nursery where we grow trees from seedlings and give them out to farmers in in our local community. In 2008 more than 2,000 trees were planted – in 2009 it will be more than 10,000, many of them being planted in small forests.
In addition to working with the farmers, we also involve local schools, churches and mosques. Trees are planted on school premises and, in addition to classwork, environmental clubs are being developed where children learn about the functions of trees, about the effects of climate change and many aspects of how to promote a healthy environment including: the value of compost, how to dispose of waste and energy saving stoves that reduce on firewood usage.
The local population, many of whom have lacked educational opportunities, are participating in the programme and so many people are becoming motivated to make this corner of eastern Uganda greener.
In April this year (2009) we held an environment day which involved many hundreds of schoolchildren who learnt more about the benefits of trees. There was drama by local youth group and trees were planted in the grounds of five schools.
Nature conservation means conservation of people
An intact environment is the precondition for the good health and future of people – this is why the SALEM afforestation programme is something really important.
At present the programme s being suppported by volunteers. To help develop the programme further, a full-time employee, qualified in environment and forestry management is needed.
Funds are urgently needed to develop this work until we reach a stage where a green belt is established in our distrct where local communities are raising their own trees on nursery beds in their own villages and where all children grow up understanding the value of trees.
Every day I become aware who the real loser in globalisation and climate change is. For those of us in the industrialised world it is possible to help our brothers and sisters in Africa to develop a more sustainable environment through a range of strategies.
School children ready to plant trees on Environment day in April 2009
Katharina Philipp, volunteer, at present based in SALEM-Uganda.
Katherina is a volunteer placed by EIRENE, Christian Service for Peace (www.eirene.org)
We would be very pleased to receive your donation toward the costs of this project.
Want to know more about any of these Salem Uganda projects?
Email us at: Salem-uganda@salem-mail.net