Morobo Commissioner Launches Tree Planting Drive to Combat Deforestation

(MOROBO COUNTY) -The Commissioner of Morobo County Joseph Mawa Okuba, has officially launched a county-wide tree planting initiative as part of a broader environmental conservation effort aimed at reversing deforestation and promoting sustainable livelihoods on Wednesday.

The exercise marks the beginning of the “Morobo Go Green” campaign, a local initiative designed to curb harmful practices such as illegal logging and charcoal burning, which have significantly degraded forest cover in parts of the county.

Speaking during the launch, Commissioner Mawa said the initiative is intended to restore lost vegetation and improve climate resilience across Morobo. He noted that plans are underway to expand the tree planting exercise to cover the entire county, with a comprehensive rollout date expected to be announced soon.

The campaign follows a strategic meeting held at the county headquarters with civil society actors, including Innovation for Community Development, which donated a variety of tree seedlings to support the effort.

Commissioner Mawa called on residents to actively participate in the campaign, stressing that environmental degradation driven by unchecked logging and charcoal production has already taken a toll on the county’s natural resources.

“We must act now to restore our environment and protect it for future generations,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Ezibon Gale urged development partners and community organizations to intensify public awareness campaigns on the importance of tree planting. He highlighted the added economic benefit of promoting fruit tree cultivation, which could help reduce dependence on imported produce.

Local authorities say the initiative is part of a broader push to align community-level environmental action with national and global climate goals, while fostering community ownership in conservation efforts.

The Morobo Go Green campaign is expected to mobilize residents, civil society, and local leaders in a coordinated effort to restore the county’s ecosystem and build a more sustainable future.