ECOTRUST Leads Major Tree Planting Drive to Mark World Environment Day in Adjumani
ADJUMANI — Hundreds of students, local leaders, conservation experts and development partners converged at Arinyapi Seed Secondary School in Adjumani District last week to commemorate World Environment Day through a large-scale tree planting exercise aimed at strengthening climate resilience and restoring degraded landscapes.
The event, held on June 11, saw the planting of 5,000 high-quality clonal eucalyptus seedlings across a five-acre school woodlot. The trees were planted at a standard spacing of two metres by two metres to ensure healthy growth, optimal land use and long-term sustainability.
The activity was implemented under the Investing in Forests and Protected Areas for Climate-Smart Development (IFPA-CD) Project, a Government of Uganda initiative implemented through the Ministry of Water and Environment with funding from the World Bank. The project is delivered by a consortium comprising NIRAS International Consulting, Environmental Conservation Trust of Uganda (ECOTRUST), Havilah Company Limited and Green Life International.
As the project approaches its conclusion this month, Adjumani District is emerging as one of its standout success stories.
According to project performance records, the district surpassed its target of establishing 368 hectares of institutional woodlots, reaching an impressive 601 hectares. Farmer participation also exceeded expectations, with 1,085 farmers enrolled against a target of 1,000, representing overall progress of 108.5 percent.
ECOTRUST, the lead partner responsible for community engagement and model farmer enrolment, coordinated the tree planting exercise, mobilized local communities and worked closely with district leaders and students to establish the school woodlot.
The choice of Arinyapi Seed Secondary School was strategic. District officials identified the area as one of the most vulnerable to climate change impacts in Adjumani, experiencing intense heat during dry seasons and recurrent flooding during rainy periods.
Speaking during the event, Adjumani District Natural Resources Officer, Charles Gayoyo, said the exercise was intended to safeguard critical water resources while preparing communities for the growing effects of climate change.
“Arinyapi is one of the areas most affected by climate change in Adjumani. During the dry season it becomes extremely hot, and when it rains, the area experiences flooding. Our goal is to protect the Tete River catchment and the River Nile. By planting more trees, we can protect our water resources and strengthen the environment for future generations,” he said.
School administrators welcomed the initiative, describing it as an investment in both environmental conservation and the future of learners.
Deputy Head Teacher, Dricih Festo Lahn, said the school was honoured to host the activity.
“We are grateful that our school was selected for this important exercise because it will improve our environment and benefit future generations of learners,” he said.
To improve seedling survival rates, ECOTRUST introduced aqua soil technology, which helps retain moisture around tree roots during prolonged dry spells.
According to ECOTRUST's Regional Coordinator for the West Nile Northeast Region, Denis Emmanuel Oweka, the innovation is expected to increase tree survival, particularly in areas prone to drought.
“We are using aqua soil technology to help the trees survive during drought conditions. Beyond tree planting, ECOTRUST is leading community engagement, training and farmer enrolment to ensure communities appreciate the long-term value of environmental conservation. Today, we brought 5,000 seedlings provided by NIRAS, and students are actively participating. These learners will grow alongside these trees and become future custodians of the environment,” Oweka said.
Local leaders used the occasion to encourage students and community members to protect the newly established woodlot and recognise the economic opportunities associated with tree growing.
Adjumani District Vice Chairperson, Geoffrey Obulejo, urged the school community to take ownership of the trees.
“The trees we are planting today will beautify the school and protect buildings from strong winds. They can also become a source of income. Tree planting changed my life and enabled me to generate income over the years. I encourage the students and school administration to protect these trees and ensure they thrive,” he said.
Representatives from NIRAS International Consulting commended ECOTRUST for its effective community mobilization efforts, noting that strong local participation has been central to the project's success.
Speaking on behalf of NIRAS, Deziderius Irumba said conservation outcomes are best achieved through partnerships.
“NIRAS manages the project on behalf of the Ministry of Water and Environment, but conservation requires teamwork. We are pleased to see participation levels exceeding targets. These trees belong to the communities and schools. They will contribute to livelihoods, environmental protection and long-term resilience,” he said.
As Uganda continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, initiatives such as the IFPA-CD Project are demonstrating how collaborative action can restore landscapes, protect vital ecosystems and improve community livelihoods.
For the students of Arinyapi Seed Secondary School, the 5,000 trees planted this World Environment Day represent more than a commemorative gesture — they symbolize a long-term investment in a greener, more resilient future.
