Ouagadougou: The President of the Republic of Niger, General Abdourahamane Tiani, presided over the official tree-planting ceremony on Monday in Chadakori, located in the Kouroungoussaou classified forest of the Guidan Roumdji department, Maradi region. This event marked the 3rd edition of the National Tree Day (JNA), themed 'Restoring productive bases, pillar of Refounding'.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the ceremony was attended by ministers in charge of the Environment from Burkina Faso and Mali, the two other member countries of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), demonstrating solidarity within the alliance. This year, a total of 15,650 trees will be planted on the 50-hectare site, which has been landscaped and fenced, and is now named after Sultan Babari of Gobir. The n©rtree was selected as the "tree of the year."
Army General Abdourahamane Tiani initiated the planting by placing a tree in the designated area that bears his name, thus commencing the plantings for his delegation, which included members of the CNSP, the Government, the Consultative Council, and the presidents of the Republic's institutions. Administrative and traditional leaders also participated in the tree-planting activities.
Prior to the ceremony, President Tiani awarded prizes for a competition aimed at combating desertification. Mrs. Atta Rabo Dadoria from Matankari, in the department of Doutchi, won the first prize, receiving three million CFA francs. The second prize, worth two million CFA francs, was given to Sidi Ousmane from Sahar Peulh village in the commune of Kantch©, Zinder region. Alhadji Laouali Chaibou from Sabon Machi received the third prize, valued at 1.5 million CFA francs.
The President also presented silver and bronze medals of honor to several individuals recognized for their contributions to promoting the environment. Following the awards, a documentary film about the community forestry project from the previous edition held in Zinder at the "Amadou Dan Bassa" site was shown. The previous edition, organized in Zinder in August 2025, achieved a 96% survival rate for the plantations.