By Dr. Festus Onogholo | Project Manager
Thank you for your continuous support, which enables us to work tirelessly as we strive to save our world from climate change by planting forest trees. Our efforts remove carbon dioxide from the air, store carbon in the trees and soil, and release oxygen into the atmosphere. Our forest provides a safe home for wildlifeand ensures balanced biodiversity. Additionally, we are creating jobs for the underprivileged in rural communities.
We extend our gratitude to our partners at GlobalGiving and the Bauknecht Foundation Germany.
16.5 hectares of deforested land will be planted in 2024
It is distressing to know that the world has lost one-third of its forests, resulting in climate-related disasters worldwide. Despite this alarming situation, we are pleased to announce to our partners that we have prepared an additional 16.5 hectares of deforested land for tree planting in 2024, which will take place in June and July. You can view the GPS map in the report.
At a recommended spacing of 3m by 3m, we have secured 15,000 out of the 18,331 forest seedlings needed for planting. We still require your support to procure the remaining seedlings and additional ones for replacement operations, estimated at $2,000.
Preventing Forest Fires in 2024
We are pleased to inform our sponsors that in 2023/2024, we successfully protected the forest trees from bush fires. This was made possible by the dedicated support and commitment of the forest workers, who conducted surveillance operations and created firebreaks in and around the planted areas of the forest reserves. With the return of the rains, the areas planted in 2023, 2022, and previous years are thriving and green.
One Million Trees for Peace Forest Declared an Environmental Protected Area by Edo State Government, Nigeria
In recognition of our efforts and the government's commitment to the project, Edo State Governor Mr. Godwin Obaseki has declares our Forest Regenerated Area Environmental Protection Area. This ensures that the forest trees, wildlife and other fauna are protected by law. Signposts have been placed in strategic areas to inform the public of this development, marking first in Edo State.
Our way to the Future - Become an Ambassador for Climate Change
As we expand our operations, we appeal for more support to maintain both current and past forest areas, which are cost-intensive. We urgently need volunteer staff who are passionate about supporting this project as treasurers, project consultants, or representatives in Europe, the USA, the United Kingdom, South America, and Asia. If you are interested in joining our team, please contact Maria-Angela Sjögren at mari.sjoe@hotmail.com.
You may also wish to visit our forest in Nigeria as part of your holiday or vacation. The project manager, Dr. Festus Onogholo, will arrange an invitation letter and take full responsibility for your stay, provided your visit is restricted to our forest in Ehor and other locations in Benin City, Edo State.
We also appeal for support to repair a project vehicle, which is crucial for our operations but currently out of service due to a lack of funds. The repairs, including a new gearbox, tires, windshield, and internal engine work, are estimated to cost about $6,500, including transportation to Lagos, Nigeria, for the repairs.
We need your support to pay the wages of forestry workers and cover other expenses such as fuel for project vehicles, a health fund for the workers, and the salaries of six staff members. As a non-governmental organization, we depend on your generous donations. Your past contributions have sustained this project, and we need more as we expand with the additional 16.5 hectares of new forest to be established in 2024.
Finally, we are deeply grateful to Mr. Leslie Gould, who has volunteered for this project for the past 15 years. His dedication will forever be remembered in our hearts and the hearts of the forests we have nurtured over the years.
Links:
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