Busia: The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has initiated a biosafety tree garden program in institutions to help promote environmental conservation and increase tree and forest cover in the country. Speaking during the planting of 5,000 tree seedlings across different schools in Busia County, Western region NBA lead Dr. Joseph Odongo highlighted that the concept of biosafety gardens in schools will also foster learning alongside environmental conservation.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Odongo emphasized the importance of educating learners on environmental care from an early age, ensuring they understand the significance of trees and their environmental impact. He mentioned that all tree species planted will be labeled with their scientific and common names, along with their cultural significance and potential medicinal uses.
Dr. Odongo encouraged more schools to adopt the biosafety garden model to nurture and care for the environment. Currently, three schools in Busia have been involved: Busende Primary and Junior Secondary School with 1,500 trees, Muyafwa Primary and Junior Secondary School with 2,000 trees, and St Mary's Mundika High School with 1,500 trees. These trees include indigenous, exotic, fruit-bearing, and medicinal varieties.
The initiative aims to address climate change by involving stakeholders such as the forestry department, teachers, learners, and administration to ensure continuity and proper monitoring. Busia Municipality Assistant County Commissioner Calvin Monare expressed that the initiative will contribute to the national goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032, encouraging learners, teachers, and the public to participate in tree adaptation initiatives to increase survival rates.
Busia Sub-County Forester Seth Onyango highlighted the need for more schools to adopt the initiative to enhance tree cover in Busia County, currently at 8.3%, with a target of 30% by 2032. He stressed the importance of commitment to planting and maintaining trees and working closely with schools to ensure tree survival.
Muyafwa Secondary School Principal Alasa Keneth noted the benefits of the trees for learners and other creatures, providing shelter and attracting rainfall. He expressed that the initiative would inspire learners to practice environmental conservation at home.
St Mary's Mundika High School Principal Bernard Nyongesa echoed these sentiments, stating that the trees would help learners understand the different species available in the country. He mentioned the school's ongoing efforts to plant trees as part of their agricultural projects and the challenge of acquiring seedlings, highlighting the readiness to plant whenever seedlings are available.