Wales’ Size of Wales Project Achieves Milestone of Planting 25 Million Trees in Uganda

Size of Wales, a Welsh charity, achieved its goal of planting 25 million trees in Uganda, aiming to combat climate change by 2025. Deborah Nabulobi will share her experiences in Wales, emphasizing community adaptation efforts. The project addresses Uganda’s significant deforestation issues, empowering local women and promoting sustainable livelihoods. Key figures have highlighted its importance in global environmental action and gender equality.

A climate change charity from Wales, Size of Wales, has reached a significant milestone by successfully planting 25 million trees in Uganda, with the aim of combating environmental challenges by 2025. To commemorate this achievement, they will host Deborah Nabulobi, a local tree nursery manager, to share her insights on climate change’s impact on Ugandan communities during events throughout Wales. Gender equality and women’s leadership are prioritized throughout this initiative.

Uganda is facing alarming rates of deforestation, potentially losing its entire forest cover by 2040 if current trends continue. To combat this, Size of Wales, in collaboration with METGE, has distributed saplings from community-run nurseries to farmers and schools in the Mbale region. The initiative not only addresses climate change but empowers local farmers, particularly women, by promoting sustainable livelihoods, reducing soil erosion, and providing various ecological benefits, such as shade and local produce.

Deborah Nabulobi’s visit embodies a week of awareness activities focusing on climate change, including tree-planting ceremonies attended by school children and government officials. Litchard Primary School has taken proactive steps to engage with Size of Wales by aiming for recognition as a Deforestation Free School Champion, thereby fostering global responsibility through their educational programs.

Jane Hutt, the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, expressed, “This remarkable achievement shows what we can achieve when nations work together to tackle the climate emergency. The distribution of 25 million trees in Eastern Uganda is not only helping to combat climate change – it’s transforming lives, particularly for women and young people across Uganda.”

Deborah shared personal reflections on the transformation in her community due to METGE’s support, stating, “The 25 million trees distributed by METGE have made a huge difference in our communities. The environment is improving, and women feel empowered to engage in various agricultural pursuits that contribute financially to their households, decreasing domestic violence.”

Barbara Davies-Quy, Deputy Director of Size of Wales, commented on the importance of tree planting: “Reaching the 25 million tree target in Uganda is an enormous achievement and one that Wales should be very proud of. At a time when global temperatures are rising, we need to take urgent action to mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis and trees are a key part of the solution.”

The Size of Wales’ initiative in Uganda illustrates the profound impact that international cooperation can have on climate change and community empowerment. By successfully planting 25 million trees, the initiative addresses pressing environmental issues while simultaneously fostering gender equality and local livelihoods. The collaboration between Wales and Uganda serves as a model for global environmental action and illustrates the transformative potential of grassroots projects.

Original Source: nation.cymru