UNICEF and the Bor Municipal Council have embarked on a campaign to plant 5,000 trees in Bor town.
The campaign, which commenced on Thursday, seeks to combat the effects of climate change as recognized by local youth.
Abuol Alier, a student at Saint Andrew School in Bor, emphasized the importance of environmental stewardship in mitigating conflict and promoting sustainable development in Jonglei State.
“Before the next rainy season, we envision a greener Bor town, comparable to other environmentally-conscious societies. This collaboration with UNICEF is crucial for initiating positive change in our community,” Alier remarked.
The Bor UNICEF chief, Refinceyaa Pattorson, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, underscoring its alignment with the agency’s broader climate resilience agenda.
“Our goal is to transform Bor into a clean and green city. This tree-planting effort symbolizes our commitment to mitigating climate change impacts and enhancing environmental sustainability,” Pattorson affirmed.
Michael Forson, the WASH Manager at UNICEF’s Juba headquarters, stressed the benefits of tree planting in mitigating climate change effects such as floods and droughts.
“Trees play a crucial role in climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. They help absorb carbon dioxide and stabilize local ecosystems, contributing to long-term environmental resilience,” Forson explained.
Bor Mayor John Topic Achiek expressed gratitude to UNICEF for their partnership and assured the community of his council’s commitment to nurturing the trees.
“It is our responsibility to ensure these trees thrive. Beyond enhancing our town’s beauty, they will serve as vital resources for future generations, providing shade and improving our environment,” Achiek asserted.
The Mayor cautioned against illegal logging, emphasizing the importance of protecting Bor’s green spaces.
As the campaign progresses, residents of Bor are encouraged to actively participate in sustaining the town’s green transformation. The initiative not only aims to mitigate climate change impacts, but also seeks to restore degraded ecosystems and promote sustainable urban development.