KOUDOUGOU — The Center-West region joined the rest of the country in celebrating National Tree Day on June 22, 2024, with a significant event held at the governorate in Koudougou, focusing on the theme ‘Tree, reference capital for endogenous development.’

According to Burkina Information Agency, Marie Désiré Yameogo, administrator of APISAVANA, the celebration emphasized the critical role of trees in sustaining life, highlighting their importance in inducing rainfall, protecting plant cover, and benefiting human health. Yameogo expressed concerns about the severe impacts of deforestation, which have contributed to recent intense heatwaves, underscoring the urgent need for reforestation initiatives.

The ceremony saw extensive participation from regional bodies and community members, driven by a collective recognition of the environmental challenges posed by deforestation. Jonas Mané, president of the special delegation of the commune of Koudougou, articulated the event’s significance and advocated for ongoing local commitments to environmental restoration.

The governor, Boubacar Nouhoun Traoré, praised the robust turnout and commitment demonstrated by the citizens. He noted the day’s success and the innovative approach of extending tree planting activities beyond the ceremony, with each institution continuing to plant trees in their respective departments, echoing the slogan ‘my institution, my grove.’