Photo|Couresy

The Civil Society Coalition on Natural Resources (CSCNR), in partnership with Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), has launched a fruit tree planting initiative at Laglag Nursery and Primary School in Melut County, with the planting of 100 fruit trees aimed at promoting environmental protection and climate change resilience.

The event brought together county authorities, teachers, community leaders, youth, and women’s groups to raise awareness about environmental conservation and adaptation to climate change.

Speaking during the launch, Acting Executive Director of Melut County, Monywiir Padiet, praised the coalition and its partners for their environmental awareness efforts while expressing concern over the cessation of gas flaring at the Paloch oil field.

“In Melut, we are suffering from environmental problems resulting from petroleum activities and, more recently, methane gas, which used to be flared in OBC. Now flaring has ceased and is no longer taking place, and the effects reach our communities,” Padiet said.

He urged the school administration and students to safeguard the newly planted trees.

“The trees planted today should not be removed because they help your environment and also protect against diseases. I urge the school administration to ensure the trees are properly fenced,” he added.

CSCNR Chairperson Charles Judo said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to help communities adapt to the effects of climate change.

“Tree planting is part of environmental protection and climate change adaptation. We are trying to adapt ourselves to the environment in which we live, and students need a favourable environment in which to learn,” Judo said.

He said that the program targets public institutions including schools, churches, mosques, and hospitals to promote environmental stewardship.

“We aim to raise community awareness on environmental protection and climate change adaptation, while encouraging institutions to take ownership of the trees being planted,” he added.

Judo further called on schools to establish environmental and hygiene clubs to help students care for the trees.

“School protection and hygiene clubs will help students learn the importance of protecting and watering the fruit trees on a daily basis,” he said.

The Deputy Director of Education in Melut County, Ustaz Bayak Teng, welcomed the initiative and encouraged students to play an active role in protecting the environment.

“I urge students to help preserve the environment through continuous tree planting and protection,” Teng said, while endorsing the formation of environmental and hygiene clubs in schools.

On the same day, 37 participants drawn from county authorities, police, teachers, community leaders, youth, and women’s groups received training on environmental protection and climate change resilience.

Participants recommended strengthening climate adaptation measures, improving stakeholder coordination, investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, expanding climate-smart agriculture and irrigation systems, and enhancing early warning systems for floods and droughts.

The initiative is part of ongoing efforts by CSCNR and its partners to promote environmental sustainability and climate resilience in oil-producing communities across Upper Nile State.