Dawn Project, an environmental conservation organization, has reiterated its mission to create sustainable, responsible, and actionable steps toward a green, healthier, and eco-friendly environment.
The Coordinator of the organization, Dr. Pamela Ajayi asserted a tree planting exercise that took place at the Senate House, at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Monday, in the presence of the members of the University management.
With the theme, ‘’University of Lagos: Environmental Restoration and Rejuvenation’’, Dr. Ajayi disclosed that the NGO has donated over 1,000 trees to the university and that the tree planting initiative is aimed at raising awareness through the planting of trees to achieve a reduction in atmospheric greenhouse gases as well as enhance a greener, cleaner, and healthier environment.
Buoyed by the blooming tree-planting initiatives worldwide which has significantly aided biodiversity and the nurturing of healthy living environments for people, Dr. Ajayi emphasized the need for governments to initiate policies that would put an end to deforestation.
The Medical Doctor opined that there is a consensus that the increase in the greenhouse gas (GHG) atmospheric levels is mainly caused by the burning of fossil fuels and changes in land use, such as deforestation and many more.
Her words, “ …we are supporting UNILAG tree-planting drive with over 1,000 seedlings in the quest to achieve our mandate of an extensive environmental restoration in the university. We are confident that these steps would be critical in the mitigation of these risks”.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola commended the team for coming to support the green initiative of the University of Lagos to achieve an eco-friendly environment.
According to her, “The initiative to plant trees is not a new endeavor. The institution has over the years partnered with several stakeholders in both private and government establishments in ensuring that there is an apparent increase in urban tree planting, with the intent of sequestering carbon and reversing climate change. Many initiatives are characterized by ambitious targets based on the number of trees planted but are not defined by clear objectives, which hampers the success of these initiatives in achieving the desired benefits”.
Professor Ogunsola encouraged the university community to align with the initiative, stressing that urban forest is a long-term endeavour that requires sustained commitment and support by the community.
Thereafter, the Vice-Chancellor led other members of management to plant a tree within the Senate House axis of the university.
The Dawn Project was formed by a group of collaborators whose primary aim is to raise awareness about the consequences of climate change through artistic expression to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for our collective future.
