Mogadishu

4,000 tree planted, charcoal initiative launched

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud of Somalia has urged every Somali to take part in restoration of the country’s battered environment by planting a tree. People - from young schoolchildren to city dwellers - are planting trees across the Somali capital Mogadishu throughout  April. The Plant-a-Tree campaign spearheaded by Somalia’s Ministry of National Resources and supported by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Planting a tree in commemoration of Somalia’s National Tree Planting Day, President Sheikh Mohamoud said that due to several years of conflict and drought, Somalia’s environment has been neglected.

“Every Somali should plant a tree today. Every family should have some trees in their homes”, President Sheikh Mohamoud said while launching the Plant-a-Tree Campaign in Mogadishu. He added: "Fruit tree such as mangos and guavas are good for nutrition today and for the future generations." 

In 2011, famine gripped parts of southern Somalia following consecutive failed rain seasons coupled with high food prices and effects of a long running conflict. Acute malnutrition and death rates surpassed famine thresholds killing thousands, especially children under five.

Tree and food security
The Plant-A-Tree campaign launched on April 17, will see over 4,000 trees planted in 17 districts of Banadir region that form the country’s capital, Mogadishu in April alone. The first phase, in 2012 saw nearly 1,000 trees planted in Hargeisa, northwestern Somalia on World Environment Day. FAO’s Country Representative for Somalia Luca Alinovi said, the campaign is aimed at increasing environmental awareness and combat desertification.

“Planting trees that improve soil quality can help boost crop yields for Somali farmers and provide fodder for animals. This is why we are here today,” said Alinovi.
In addition, the use of trees in agriculture has other benefits - such as helping to "climate proof" agricultural land. Mr. Alinovi reaffirmed FAO’s readiness to support Somalia in achieving sustainable management of its natural resources for poverty eradication and food security.

Charcoal programme
Today, President Sheikh Mohamed also launched a crucial initiative to support the ban on charcoal exports and promote alternative sources of energy and livelihoods. The Government-UN Joint Programme for Sustainable Charcoal Production and Alternative Livelihoods (PROSCAL) will be implemented by the UN in collaboration with Somali Ministry of National Resources.

Charcoal is one of the only ways to earn income in some regions of Somalia. But the lucrative trade is causing rapid and devastating environmental damage. Environmentalists say that cutting of trees to produce charcoal is leading to deforestation, the destruction of grazing lands and soil erosion and, in the long term, to Somalia’s frequent droughts. Lack of clear and enforceable regulations only works to worsen the problem. Absence of affordable and alternative energy sources, means many Somalis turn to charcoal burning which is depleting the country’s acacia forests.

“While encouraging people to desist from cutting trees for charcoal, this programme also supports development of robust and enforceable legislation to implement the ban and options for alternative sources of energy and livelihoods,” said Alinovi.

Philippe Lazzarini, the UN's  Resident Coordinator in Somalia said that the programme aims to promote energy security and resilient livelihoods through a gradual reduction of unsustainable charcoal production, trade and use. 
“These interventions will reduce conflict, trigger local economic opportunities - thus reduce poverty - haltenvironmental degradation, improve energy security, enhance climate and livelihood resilience, promote social equity amongst vulnerable groups diversify energy sources and promote peace and development,” Mr Lazzarini said.