The Sierra Leone Red Cross Society Tree Planting and Care project has successfully concluded a three-day training for community volunteers on nursery establishment, tree planting, and care management. The training took place from December 14th to December 16th, 2023, at the Kono Branch office. The goal of the training was to empower young community volunteers, both male and female, in the establishment and management of tree nurseries, as well as tree planting and care for the purpose of environmental protection, management, and sustainability.
The training was designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the impact of climate change and the benefits of tree nurseries and tree planting. Participants were trained in the collection of seeds from the wild and the identification of viable seeds through pre-treatment and pre-germination trials. They were also taught nursery site selection and preparation, pest and disease control, and management practices. Finally, participants were equipped with practical skills in tree nursery management, tree planting, and aftercare.
The Tree Planting and Care project, funded by the Finnish Red Cross, aims to support the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society in engaging communities to restore forest covers, thereby mitigating the effects of climate change. This initiative is currently being implemented in six districts: Kenema, Kono, Bonthe, Bo, Moyamba, and Pujehun.