67-Assistance for Afforestation in Nigeria and Kenya-February 2000-Environmental Issues Commentary

67-Assistance for Afforestation in Nigeria and Kenya-February 2000-Environmental Issues Commentary

This reforestation project, led by the Norwegian government, is being deployed in the African countries of Nigeria and Kenya to simultaneously combat global warming and develop local economies. The goal is to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 5,000 tons per year, and the project is being implemented in areas particularly vulnerable to climate change.

### Initiatives in Nigeria
In Nigeria, we are focusing on reforestation in savanna areas. Reforestation activities are taking place in rural areas of Lagos and Kaduna states, where local people are engaged in seedling production and tree planting. The project is financed with $5 million from the World Bank and Norwegian co-financing and is being carried out in conjunction with sustainable agriculture and pasture management. This has created new jobs and stimulated the local economy.

### Activities in Kenya
In Kenya, afforestation is underway in the vicinity of Nairobi National Park and the Masai Mara Reserve, which are tourism hubs. Forest resources are being restored and protected in cooperation with eco-tourism. In addition, the Norwegian government has partnered with Ricoh to introduce low-energy irrigation technology. This makes it possible to efficiently grow saplings even in arid areas.

### Project Impacts and Sustainability
In both countries, environmental education programs are also being implemented in schools and local communities to promote sustainable forest management. This has helped to instill the importance of environmental protection in both children and adults. In addition, support is provided to agricultural cooperatives so that local residents can continue to maintain and manage their forests after the project is completed.

This afforestation project has attracted attention as a good example of greenhouse gas emission reduction and sustainable development in Nigeria and Kenya. It is expected to be extended to other African countries, especially as a model case for balancing local economy and environmental protection.