COP 27: FG unveils ‘250k’ tree planting project against climate change

The Federal Government has launched a youth-driven tree planting project called ‘Project 250k’ to combat the impacts of climate change in the country.

The Minister for Youth Development and Sport, Sunday Dare, revealed this on Thursday in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, on the sidelines of the ongoing 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27).

Dare at the side event labeled “Youth and Climate Change” said the project will involve engaging 250,000 youth to plant 250,000 trees across the country in the first phase of the project.

He told the Nigerian News Agency after the event that the ministry was doing a lot to empower and engage vibrant young Nigerians in fighting and campaigning for climate change awareness.

“The 250K project is the attempt of the Ministry of Youth Sports Development to ensure that we incorporate the youth of our country in the action plan against climate change.

“This means that we will involve 250,000 young people across the country to plant 250,000 trees, then we will be able to plant 50,000.

“The goal is to make sure that we’re not just planting trees, but raising awareness, they’re planting the trees, and they’re also becoming ambassadors for climate change,” Dare said.

He said the ministry is working closely with the environment ministry and other strategic implementation partners in a public-private partnership to ensure the project is privately financed.

The minister explained that the Forest Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) is also on board to advise on the best trees to plant in different parts of the country.

He assured that the details of the project will be made public as soon as the strategic commitments are completed.

the event labeled ‘Nigeria Youth and Climate Change: Harmonizing Nigerian Youth Climate Change Efforts and Policy Development’ featured officials from the Ministry of Environment, relevant agencies and youth groups.

The side event also provided a platform for the ministry to create synergy with the various youth groups that have been working in silos as the ministry seeks a comprehensive youth policy on climate change.

The COP 27 that began on November 6 with world leaders and representatives from 198 countries and more than 30,000 delegates will end on November 18.