Words by Smiley Team
In the beautiful terraced hills of southwest Uganda, Asiimwe Mourine helps protect the environment by planting a tree for every new Twitter follower she gains. For her hard work, she was made Miss Conservation Kigezi 2019-2020.
The 24-year-old joined Twitter and started the initiative on Earth Day 2020, following a discussion with Earth Day Uganda. In total, she has planted nearly 50,000 trees, mostly of her own accord. She hopes to reach 10,000 by Earth Day 2021 that falls on April 22nd, just one month away.
“A planted tree remains hope for the future,” she said. “Trees remove CO2 from the atmosphere through the process of photosynthesis which helps to guard against climate change. Trees are always on our side in the battle against global warming among their other various uses.”
To help Mourine reach her goal, follow her on Twitter. You can also support her work by donating to her fundraiser. A contribution of $1 will buy a seedling, $3 will cover the cost of caring for the young trees, and $10 can pay to transport the seedlings to planting areas.
Each year Uganda loses over two per cent of its forest to loggers seeking fuel and building materials. If this continues the country might have no more forest left in less than 25 years.
Although you might not expect it, deforestation also happens right here in the UK. At least 800 woods are currently under threat, mostly from development with too little new woods being planted to replace them. The loss in tree coverage that we’re seeing puts the country at high risk of entering a state of deforestation, something the UK has an internationally legally binding commitment to avoid.
To emulate Mourine’s valuable work in the UK, you too can make a difference. With planting season stretching from November to March, now is the perfect time to start.
For advice and to source saplings, visit the Woodland Trust’s website. They are giving away thousands of trees for free to schools and communities. They can also help design your woodland and select the best species for your land.
With more roots in the ground and leaf cover overhead, tree planting can help slow climate change, protect biodiversity and prevent soil erosion.
