
The legacy of the Late Prof. WANGARI MAATHAI stimulates tree planting in DR Congo
Published: 04 December 2017

More efforts needed to make Butembo more green through tree planting
Prof. WANGARI MAATHAI was an icon whose legacy left prints in the minds of environmentalists and tree lovers worldwide. The quote of the internationally renown Kenyan environmental political activist and Nobel laureate, Wangari Maathai was the base of the campaign for tree planting in the City of Butembo, DR Congo in October 2017.
The activity was co-organized by the DR Congo National Discourse Forum, Urban Environment Service of Butembo and its partners. Participants dedicated hours planting trees at Mbovote site which is the water spring servicing the south city of Butembo.
In awareness on tree planting attended by 77 participants, the DRCNDF Secretary General, Dr. Malikwisha Meni recalled the popular quote of Late WANGARI MAATHAI : "When we plant trees, we plant the seeds of peace and the seeds of hope," and called for greening the city of Butembo which is being degraded by soil erosion.
His presentation focused on the main role of the tree such as in ecology where trees protect soil structure and water quality, etc; therapeutic as trees may help in physical and mental health; social, aesthetic and economic roles.