Unity state plants ‘freedom trees’ to mark South Sudan independence

By Bonifacio Taban Kuich

August 31, 2011 (BENTIU) – A tree planting campaign that began to celebrate South Sudan’s independence will continue across Unity state it was announced last week, in order to create a greener, healthier environment.

International NGO Awake International began planting ‘freedom trees’ on South Sudan’s independence day, July 9, but says the project will continue to encourage communities to plant more trees and cut down fewer.

Rosalind Anteno Rocha a Programme manager for Awake International told Sudan Tribune on August 26 that they aimed to increase forestry production with the support of the state government.

Starting the project on July 9, Rocha said, was intended help Unity state citizens embrace the project. The initial planting was made in a children’s play area named after the Kenyan town – Naivasha – where the peace talks which led to the agreement securing South Sudan’s self determination took place.

The director general for the state’s ministry of agriculture, Kulang Roal Both, said he appreciated Awake International’s role in providing seeds and educating citizens on the bedding and plantation process. He encourage citizens to be more involved in agriculture rather than being idle.

(ST)