World Environment Day 2024 in Garowe: Reflecting on a City in Need of Tree Planting Efforts

World Environment Day, celebrated on June 5th each year, is a reminder of the urgent need to protect and preserve our environment. In 2024, the theme focuses on land restoration, combatting desertification, and building drought resilience. These issues are critical for the health of our planet, affecting ecosystems, biodiversity, and human livelihoods.

The importance of taking full responsibility for land restoration, combatting desertification, and enhancing drought resilience cannot be overstated, and it is a call to action for individuals, communities, and governments worldwide.

Land degradation and desertification are significant threats to the environment and human well-being. Desertification, in particular, affects over one-third of the planet's land surface, directly impacting the lives of millions of people. This environmental challenge results from a combination of climatic variations and human activities such as deforestation, overgrazing, and unsustainable agricultural practices. It leads to the loss of fertile land, reduced agricultural productivity, and increased vulnerability to climate change.

Taking full responsibility for land restoration involves recognizing our role in the degradation process and implementing effective strategies to reverse it. Sustainable land management practices, including afforestation, reforestation, and soil conservation, are essential in restoring degraded lands. These practices not only enhance soil fertility and water retention but also contribute to carbon sequestration, thereby mitigating climate change. Governments, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector must work together to promote and implement these practices.

Efforts to combat desertification must extend beyond World Environment Day. Year-round initiatives are necessary to achieve lasting impact. This involves integrating land restoration into national policies, allocating resources for sustainable land management projects, and raising public awareness about the importance of healthy ecosystems. Community involvement is crucial in this fight.

Local communities, particularly those in arid and semi-arid regions, possess valuable traditional knowledge about land management. Empowering these communities through education, capacity building, and financial support can lead to more effective and sustainable restoration efforts.

As I stand in Garowe City, Puntland, on this World Environment Day, I am deeply disappointed by the stark reality before me. The lack of tree-planting initiatives has left this city bare and vulnerable. The once vibrant landscapes are now replaced by desolate stretches of land, devoid of greenery and life. The absence of trees not only diminishes the aesthetic appeal of the city but also exacerbates environmental challenges. Trees play a crucial role in combating desertification.

They stabilize the soil, reduce erosion, and improve water infiltration. In urban areas, trees provide shade, reduce temperatures, and enhance air quality. The lack of tree cover in Garowe City highlights a critical gap in our environmental efforts. It underscores the need for immediate action to restore the natural balance and protect our environment.

Addressing the challenges of land degradation, desertification, and drought resilience requires a multifaceted approach. Governments must prioritize sustainable land management in their agendas, ensuring that policies and regulations support restoration efforts. Financial investments in land restoration projects are essential to achieve tangible results. Moreover, raising public awareness and fostering a sense of environmental stewardship is crucial.

Educational campaigns, community tree-planting initiatives, and advocacy programs can mobilize individuals to take action. Schools, community centers, and local organizations can play a pivotal role in educating the public about the benefits of land restoration and the importance of tree planting.

Building drought resilience is an essential aspect of addressing land degradation and desertification. Drought resilience involves implementing strategies that reduce the vulnerability of communities and ecosystems to the impacts of drought. This includes improving water management practices, such as rainwater harvesting, the use of drought-resistant crops, and the restoration of natural water systems.

Effective water management ensures that communities have access to sufficient water resources even during prolonged dry periods, reducing the risk of crop failure and food insecurity.

In Garowe City, a concerted effort to plant trees and restore degraded lands can transform the environment and improve the quality of life for its residents. By taking responsibility and working together, we can turn the tide against desertification and create a sustainable future for generations to come. The path forward involves not only planting trees but also protecting existing forests, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and investing in land restoration technologies.

One key aspect of combatting desertification is the restoration of degraded land. This can be achieved through various techniques, such as reforestation, agroforestry, and the use of drought-resistant plants. Reforestation involves planting trees on degraded land to restore its ecological balance. Agroforestry integrates trees and shrubs into agricultural systems, improving soil fertility, water retention, and crop yields. Using drought-resistant plants can help maintain vegetation cover in arid and semi-arid regions, reducing soil erosion and maintaining biodiversity.

Another critical element is soil conservation. Soil erosion is a major contributor to land degradation and desertification. Implementing soil conservation practices, such as contour plowing, terracing, and the use of cover crops, can significantly reduce soil erosion and improve soil health. These practices help retain water, reduce runoff, and increase soil organic matter, leading to more sustainable and productive land use.

Water management is also essential in the fight against desertification and in building drought resilience. Efficient irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting, and the restoration of degraded watersheds can improve water availability and reduce the impacts of drought. In regions prone to desertification, managing water resources sustainably is crucial for maintaining agricultural productivity and supporting local communities.

Community engagement and education are vital components of successful land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience efforts. Local communities often have a deep understanding of their environment and traditional knowledge that can be invaluable in restoration projects. Involving communities in planning and implementing restoration initiatives ensures that these efforts are culturally appropriate and sustainable. Education programs can raise awareness about the importance of land restoration and provide the knowledge and skills needed to implement effective strategies.

In Garowe City, educational campaigns and community tree-planting initiatives can mobilize residents to take action. Schools can incorporate environmental education into their curricula, teaching students about the importance of trees, soil conservation, and sustainable land management. Community centers can organize workshops and training sessions to build local capacity for land restoration. By fostering a sense of environmental stewardship, we can inspire individuals to take responsibility for their surroundings and contribute to the fight against desertification.

 World Environment Day 2024 is a reminder of our collective duty to protect and restore our planet. Land restoration, combatting desertification, and building drought resilience are not tasks for a single day but require continuous effort and commitment.

In Garowe City and beyond, we must take full responsibility for our actions, implement sustainable land management practices, and engage communities in the fight against desertification. Together, we can restore our lands, preserve our ecosystems, and ensure a healthier, more resilient planet for all. The time to act is now, and by working together, we can create a sustainable future for generations to come.

Hussein Mohamed Yusuf is a Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Practitioner.

Hussienm4@gmail.com