Baku: President Abdourahamane Tiani presided over the official tree-planting ceremony for the 3rd edition of National Tree Day in the Kouroungoussaou classified forest, located in the Guidan Roumdji department of the Maradi region. The event was held under the theme "Restoring productive bases, pillar of Refounding," and featured participation from neighboring Sahel states, Burkina Faso and Mali, whose ministers of the Environment attended as part of the Alliance of Sahel States' solidarity. According to Burkina Information Agency, a total of 15,650 trees will be planted this year on a 50-hectare site named after Sultan Babari of Gobir. The néré tree was designated as the "tree of the year." President Tiani initiated the planting by placing the first tree on a site named in his honor, with members of the CNSP, the Government, and other officials following suit. Administrative and traditional leaders also participated in the tree planting. Prior to the ceremony, the President awarded prizes to winners of a c ompetition aimed at combating desertification. Mrs. Atta Rabo Dadoria from Matankari won the first prize of three million CFA francs. Sidi Ousmane from Doungou received the second prize of two million CFA francs, and Alhadji Laouali Chaibou from Sabon Machi earned the third prize of 1.5 million CFA francs. Additionally, several individuals received silver and bronze medals for their contributions to environmental promotion. A documentary highlighting the community forestry project from the previous edition was screened, showcasing achievements such as a 96% survival rate for plantations during the second edition held in Zinder at the "Amadou Dan Bassa" site.