Conan Businge
25 October 2007
Kampala — THE United Nations Association has embarked on a three-month tree-planting programme to promote conservation of the environment. The project entails sensitisation of students on climate change and the distribution of seedlings to schools.
"When people are poor, they are forced to encroach on swamps, forests and other natural resources in a desperate bid to feed themselves and their children," said Theophane Nikyema, the UN resident and humanitarian coordinator.
He was speaking at the tree-planting exercise under the theme "Our Planet, Our Future," that kicked off on Wednesday at Kololo Secondary School during celebrations to mark 62 years of existence of the UN.
Nikyema blamed the floods in the northern and eastern parts of the country on environmental degradation. "Climate change is the greatest environmental, social and economic threat today. The suffering of these people is largely our doing, by failing to protect the environment."
He also reaffirmed the UN's commitment to support the Government in addressing challenges like food insecurity and poverty.
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