Hot FM
Hot FM
23 July 2026, 3:34 pm

By Sarah Ejang
Facilitation for Peace and Development (FAPAD), in partnership with Vi Agroforestry, officially launched a significant two-day tree-planting campaign on July 23, 2026, at Aweiwot Primary School in Agikdak sub-county, Amolatar district.
This vital initiative aligns with the Ministry of Water and Environment’s national “Running Out of Trees” (ROOTS) campaign, which seeks to combat the severe regional impacts of climate change.
Local stakeholders gathered at Aweiwot Primary School to celebrate the launch and express their strong support for environmental restoration efforts.
Ogwal Alfred, the Headteacher of Aweiwot Primary School, warmly welcomed FAPAD to the institution and expressed deep gratitude for choosing the school as a primary site for the campaign.
Ogwal James, LC3 Chairperson of Agikdak Sub-County, praised FAPAD for its holistic development efforts across multiple sectors in the region.
Anthony Ogwal Bile, LC3 Chairperson of Akwon Sub-County, urged everyone to work hard and plant trees to protect future generations, emphasizing the vital role trees play in human and environmental survival.
The Agikdak Sub-County Chief commended FAPAD for supporting community welfare from all angles and encouraged pupils to become ambassadors of conservation by spreading the message within their households.
Awor Miriam, Community Development Officer representing the District Community Development Officer (DCDO), thanked FAPAD for initiating this critical environmental exercise.
District Environment Officer Ocen Erick advised the community not to fear tree planting, highlighting that trees serve as a vital shield against the harsh effects of climate change, which are currently destroying local food crops. Mr. Okwir Patrick, Project Manager of the Vi Agroforestry-supported initiative under FAPAD, encouraged every local household to plant at least one tree.
He emphasized that the selected species are highly environmentally friendly and well-suited for agroforestry systems.
Among the species chosen is Grevillea robusta, which allows farmers to grow crops beneath its canopy without compromising farm productivity.
Okwir also challenged the pupils to demonstrate leadership by planting trees to secure a healthy environment for themselves and future generations.
The campaign includes road drives through four major trading centers and will continue on July 24, 2026, with a second mass planting exercise in Akwon sub-county, reinforcing the commitment to environmental restoration and sustainable development in the region.