The Kaduna State Climate Change Accountability Mechanism (KADCCAM) on Monday received 5,000 tree seedlings from the Kaduna State Horticulture Association to support afforestation and climate resilience efforts in the state.

The donation followed a strategic advocacy meeting between officials of KADCCAM and the leadership of the horticulture association in Kaduna on Monday.

The seedlings comprise economic and non-economic tree species intended to increase tree cover, restore degraded landscapes and promote environmental sustainability.

The KADCCAM delegation, led by Shehu Muhammad and Michael Ijah, thanked the association for the donation, describing it as a boost to the state’s climate change mitigation efforts.

Chairman of the Kaduna State Horticulture Association, Bala Umar, said the association remained committed to supporting initiatives promoting afforestation, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.

Mr Umar commended KADCCAM for strengthening collaboration between government institutions and civil society organisations on climate action.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of Jobulb EduConsult, Joyce Adeji, stressed the need for inclusive climate governance involving government agencies, civil society organisations, educational institutions and community leaders.

She urged stakeholders to engage students and young people in climate action programmes through the establishment of climate clubs in schools and communities.

According to Ms Adeji, climate clubs would help raise environmental awareness, promote sustainable agricultural practices and strengthen long-term climate resilience.

She also advocated combining indigenous agricultural knowledge with modern scientific innovations to improve food security and climate-smart agriculture.

KADCCAM Leader Shehu Mohammed commended the co-chair representing civil society organisations, Ibrahima Yakubu, and the government co-chair, Abubakar Buba, for supporting climate accountability and partnerships in the state.

He said the donation would contribute to increasing tree cover, conserving biodiversity, restoring degraded ecosystems and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Mr Mohammed called on government agencies, development partners, private organisations, educational institutions, faith-based groups and residents to support tree-planting initiatives and adopt environmentally sustainable practices.

He added that sustained collaboration among stakeholders remained critical to achieving environmental sustainability and climate resilience in Kaduna State. 

(NAN)