OUAGADOUGOU – In a display of international cooperation, Burkinabè and Russian citizens teamed up to plant approximately a hundred trees in Ouagadougou’s district 12 garden during the National Arbor Day celebrations on June 22, 2024. The event was orchestrated by the Russian-Burkinabe association African Initiative and included the planting of guava trees, baobabs, and other native species.
According to Burkina Information Agency, president of the African Initiative, the planting event underlined the association’s dedication to environmental conservation and combating climate change. Ayo encouraged partners and collaborators to engage in widespread tree planting and maintenance to safeguard the environment. He emphasized that such initiatives are crucial for educating the community about the importance of environmental preservation for future generations.
The activity featured a symbolic gesture by Anna Degtiareva, representative of the Russian Ambassador to Burkina Faso, who planted a baobab tree, symbolizing the long-standing solidarity between the Russian and Burkinabè peoples. The event also saw corporate involvement, with the company ‘Les Cascades’ donating a prefabricated cement bench to the organizing association, highlighting their support for the eco-citizen initiative.
Zalissa Paré/Salembéré, president of the special delegation of district 12, underscored the importance of such initiatives in combating environmental degradation. She expressed gratitude towards the African Initiative and called on all local associations to participate actively in such developmental efforts.
The event was supported by various groups including the Burkina Russia coalition, the Wayiyans of Kamboinssin, Golden Team, the Sidwaya association, the Russian-Burkinabe businessmen’s club, and students from the DEES school, demonstrating a community-wide commitment to the cause. The Russian-Burkinabe association, founded in November 2023, aims to foster friendship and conduct social and humanitarian actions in favor of the Burkinabè population.