By Alfred Kollie, alfredkolliejr92@gmail.com
A local Civil Society Organization, the Young Women Action for Rights, Peace, and Development (YWARPD) has launched a campaign to plant five thousand trees across Liberia in 2023.
The campaign, which was recently launched in Jacob Town on the Japan Free Way, under the theme, Plant a tree, save the environment, is a self-initiative by the organization.
Representing UN Women Country Representative Madam Comfort Lamptey, UN Women Program Associate Alberta Yates thanked the organization for such a great initiative.
She said women play an important role when it comes to the environment and tree planting.
According to Madam Yates, street tree planting will help with the beautification of the streets, city, and community which will also protect the environment.
The UN Women Program Associate however, called on Liberians not to destroy or cut down plants that are helping to protect their environment but urged them to serve as a watchdog in society.
She however encourages women across Liberia to grow local crops and trees that help protect their communities.
The UN Women official called on the organization to always take care and nurture by providing proper attention to the planted trees.
“Again, it is my pleasure to be here on behalf of my boss as you launch the environmental campaign to plant five thousand trees in the streets across Liberia. We are grateful for the initiative,” Madam Yates said.
In remarks, the Gender, and Civil Society Program Manager at the European Union Delegation in Liberia, Simona Camillini urged Liberians to do all they can to protect the environment despite the climate change crisis in the World.
Women and girls are the most affected when it comes to climate change, as such there is a strong need for the protection and preservation of the environment, Madam Camillini noted.
She however assured that the EU will remain supportive of women and girls in Liberia and the development of the country for lasting growth.
Madam Camillini noted that growing trees represent the symbol of life and the future nothing that protecting the environment is as important as protecting women and girls.
“I am very to be here with you today to show our commitment toward the women and girls of Liberia and to the development of Liberia. I am happy to be part of the tree planting because trees are very important to human development,” said Madam Camillini, the Gender and Civil Society Program Manager at the European Union Delegation.
For her part, the Executive Director of Young Women Action for Rights, Peace, and Development Richelle Allison said the initiative is intended to give life and protect the environment.
She explained that trees save a life, and protect and preserve the environment calling on all Liberians to stop cutting down trees that are keeping the environment.
Ms. Allison however called on the Environmental Protection Agency the EPA, Forestry Development Authority FDA, and local and International partners for assistance and partnerships to roll out the program in other counties.
She explained that her organization paid five United States dollars for a single tree currently being planted.