- By Maryam Diallo
The Kaduna State Climate Change Accountability Mechanism (KADCCAM) has congratulated the Centre for Water and Environment Development (CWED) for successfully implementing a community-driven tree planting and environmental campaign in Zaria, describing the initiative as a major contribution to climate action and environmental sustainability in Kaduna State.
The exercise, held on Thursday at Kallon Kura Primary School in Hayin Dogo, Samaru, Zaria, involved the donation and planting of 1,000 economic and non-economic tree seedlings aimed at promoting biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, and community participation in environmental protection.
In a press statement signed by Rev. Michael Ijah Ikpa, Co-Lead of the Agricultural Sector of KADCCAM, the organization praised CWED for demonstrating leadership in advancing nature-based solutions that improve air quality, reduce land degradation, and strengthen community ownership of environmental conservation efforts.
KADCCAM noted that the initiative aligns with national and international commitments to sustainable development and climate action, emphasizing that collaborative efforts remain essential in addressing the growing impacts of climate change.
The organization also commended the Programme Officer of CWED, Mrs. Lydia Saleh, for providing exemplary leadership throughout the exercise. According to the statement, she coordinated a multidisciplinary team comprising representatives of Civil Society Organizations and relevant government agencies to ensure the successful implementation of the programme.
Education stakeholders also lauded the initiative during the event. The Executive Director of Jobulb EduConsult, Miss Joyce Adeji, expressed appreciation to CWED for recognizing schools as strategic centres for environmental education and climate awareness. She encouraged the organization to strengthen its engagement with students by establishing Environmental Clubs in schools and promoting extracurricular environmental activities capable of nurturing environmentally responsible young leaders.
KADCCAM stressed that schools remain one of the most effective platforms for promoting environmental conservation, sustainable resource management, and climate resilience among younger generations. It therefore called on government institutions, development partners, private organizations, faith-based organizations, and community leaders to replicate similar tree planting and environmental education initiatives across Kaduna State.
The organization further observed that as climate change continues to threaten agriculture, food security, public health, livelihoods, and the environment, collective action is critical to safeguarding the future. It described every tree planted as an investment in cleaner air, healthier communities, improved biodiversity, and sustainable development.
Reaffirming its commitment to environmental governance and climate accountability, KADCCAM pledged to continue collaborating with CWED, government agencies, civil society organizations, educational institutions, traditional institutions, and local communities to promote sustainable development across Kaduna State.
The organization congratulated CWED once again for the successful initiative and encouraged it to expand the programme to more schools and communities throughout the state.
