By Deng Ghai Deng
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has joined forces with the Bor Municipal Council to launch a tree-planting campaign across Bor town.
The initiative, which kicked off on Thursday, aims to plant 5,000 trees in strategic locations, including the prominent Main Pakwau roundabout.
The campaign is spearheaded by UNICEF’s young reporters, who are passionate about environmental conservation.
Local Youth, such as Abuol Alier from Saint Andrew School, have expressed strong support for the initiative, highlighting its potential to foster sustainable development in Jonglei state.
“Before next year begins, we want to see our community green in a moderate state like other societies we see. That is why we the young reporters are working hand in hand with UNICEF to see that we find a change in Jonglei state and around,” remarked Alier, echoing the sentiments of many residents who see the initiative as a positive step towards a greener Bor.
Refinceyaa Pattorson, UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Bor, emphasized the campaign’s alignment with broader environmental goals.
“UNICEF works on Climate Resilience initiative and this is part of that Climate Resilience initiative. The purpose of today is to make Bor a clean and green city,” Pattorson said.
For his part, Michael Forson, WASH Manager at UNICEF’s Juba headquarters, underlined the environmental benefits of the campaign.
“This tree initiative will go along to help deal with the problems of climate change. There are two aspects to deal with it; we have adaptation that is when we learn how to live with the change and make the best out of it, turning the bad into good. Mitigations are the measures that we would do to prevent it,” Forson said.
Mayor John Topic Achiek of Bor Municipal Council expressed gratitude for UNICEF’s partnership and highlighted the importance of community involvement in safeguarding the newly planted trees.
“We have to take care of these trees. When they grow the area become beautiful and it can help solve the issues of climate change. When the tress have grown, students can use them to sit in the shade and read their books. And everyone can enjoy the trees’ shade,” Topic said.
However, Mayor Topic also cautioned against illegal logging and urged residents to respect the sanctity of Bor’s green areas.
As the campaign progresses, residents are encouraged to participate actively 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.