By Aliyu Gerengi, Gombe
World Desertification and Drought Day (WDD) Organized globally by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), this year’s global observance takes place on African soil for the first time in nearly a decade, proudly hosted by Kenya.
Crucially, WDD 2026 is aligned with the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) under a vital global mandate
Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore.
According to latest IUCN Red List reports a staggering reality: more than 1 in 3 tree species worldwide face extinction, with over 38% of assessed species currently at risk. Data from Botanic Gardens Conservation International reveals that approximately 17,500 tree species nearly 30% of all trees on Earth are deeply threatened, and 440 species are hanging by a thread with fewer than 50 individuals left in the wild.
The primary culprits driving this ecological crisis are right on our doorstep issues like agricultural expansion, timber logging, unsustainable charcoal production, overgrazing, and livestock farming.
We don’t just talk about the crisis we meet it with a shovel in the ground. To directly address habitat extinction and ecosystem degradation, JEWEL ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVE (JEI) has taken giant strides by rolling out heavy reforestation efforts targeting farming institutions and cattle communities.
We are proud to have established a powerful grassroots partnership with AILA FARMS, Eco-Climate Restoration Movement – ECReM, GREEN Oasis Nature Advocate & Care Initiative and Care Initiative (GONACI), Government Day Secondary School, Kurba, The Kurba Community.
Together, we took to the field to plant a strategically curated mix of native and highly resilient tree species, including: Leucaena leucocephala, Ziziphus africana, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Parkia biglobosa and Moringa oleifera.
Rangelands: Recognize their value. Respect their stewards. Restore their health.
Gombe State Ministry of Water, Environment and Forest Resources Federal Ministry of Environment The National Agency for The Great Green Wall Gombe State Acresal United Nations Nigeria FAO Nigeria UNDP in Nigeria @top fans
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