Trees are essential to the ecosystem. From their visible branches, trunks and leaves, to their complex root systems below ground. They safeguard air quality, provide oxygen, and conserve water. Beyond that, they nurture climate amelioration, soil preservation and help sustain this planet’s biodiversity. Everyone has the responsibility to conserve trees for current and future generations.

In April 2023, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with Kigamboni district council in Dar es Salaam, launched a tree-planting initiative at the government-owned Kigogo English Medium, Pre and Primary School. Some 2,000 various trees will be planted in the immediate area to strengthen environmental conservation.

The tree planting exercise is part of the implementation of the Multilateral Environmental Agreements in Africa, Caribbean and Pacific Countries – Phase III (ACP MEAs 3) project, funded by the European Union (EU).

The project focuses on environmental sustainability through integrated approaches. It addresses national biodiversity-related priorities and commitments in agriculture, as well as the restoration of degraded ecosystems. It’s been implemented in six districts — Kigamboni in Dar es Salaam region, Kilosa in Morogoro, Kilolo in Iringa, Mbarali in Mbeya, and Karatu in and Same in Kilimanjaro region.

Speaking recently during the launch at the school grounds, Diomedes Kalisa, ACP MEAs 3 Project Coordinator, applauded Kigamboni authorities for their cooperation and commitment to ensure that the planted trees are protected and well maintained for the benefit of current and future generations.

“We thank the EU for funding this important initiative,” said Mr Kalisa. "We have started planting multipurpose trees here today and they will be planted around the school grounds," he said.

Kalisa encouraged students to take care of the trees by watering them daily and fertilizing with accessible manure to help them grow and improve the school environment.

He stated that, “planting trees will help schools and communities improve their health status, conserve the environment and combat climate change, which has very serious implications for humans, animals, peace and security around the world.”

This initiative is designed to help students understand the importance of environmental conservation in the early stages, and to raise awareness among their parents about the importance of planting trees and conserving our environment.

Lydia Muhango, a health and environment teacher, thanked FAO and the EU, and assured that the trees would be protected through the school’s special environmental club that is filled with students who are champions of environmental protection.

Abdallah Hassan, a sixth-grade pupil, said the trees that have been planted and those that will be planted later will help to make the school environment more appealing by providing fresh air and fruit.

"Different types of tree seedlings are being planted here – mango, orange, and other tree species – which will provide shade to our surroundings,” said Hassan. “We are happy that we will start benefiting from them in the next few years.”

He was echoed by a fellow pupil, Miss Derica Deogratious, who said that the trees will help the children and surrounding communities enormously to develop an appreciation for the environment and various organisms.
Kigamboni District Natural Resource and Environmental Conservation Officer, Ms Sikujua Mwapinga, said that, “planting fruit trees is aimed at providing better nutrition for pupils and school staff.”

Mwapinga thanked FAO for designating Kigamboni as one of its priority districts of the project, which has significantly restored biodiversity in various parts of the district along the coastline.

The tree planting will continue throughout five districts — Mbarali, Kilolo, Karatu, Same, and Kilosa, with the project providing approximately 180,000 tree seedlings to community members, including schools, for planting.