The Neighbourhood Environment Watch Foundation (NEWF) has planted 500 tree seedlings in Ogada-Edda and Ohatekwe-Edda communities of Abakaliki Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, as part of efforts to tackle climate change and promote environmental sustainability.
The tree-planting initiative, conducted under the Foundation’s Strengthening Local Advocacy Against Climate Change project, aims to mobilise community participation in forest conservation and biodiversity protection.
Executive Director of NEWF, Dr. Kelechukwu Okezie, who led the exercise, highlighted the significance of preserving indigenous tree species and urged residents to take ownership of the planted seedlings.
“We must adopt a strategic and intentional approach to forest and biodiversity management. These trees are not just plants; they are essential to our survival and well-being,” Dr. Okezie said.
The planted seedlings include a variety of native and economic tree species such as oranges, native pear, soursop, and coconut. A major highlight of the project was the reintroduction of the "akparata" tree, a locally indigenous hardwood species that had virtually disappeared due to overexploitation.
Host communities voluntarily provided land for the planting. Local leader, Chief Michael Udenwe, welcomed the initiative and applauded the Foundation for reviving the akparata tree, which he said was nearly extinct due to its mass felling for export.
“Chinese merchants lured our people into indiscriminately felling the akparata tree for export, and today, it is virtually extinct in our area. We are grateful to NEWF for restoring this vital part of our ecosystem,” Udenwe said.
He assured that community members are committed to nurturing and protecting the new trees as part of efforts to reverse environmental degradation and build resilience against climate change.
The project underscores the growing importance of grassroots-led environmental initiatives in Nigeria’s broader climate action framework.
