From TCNEWS
As the world celebrated National Tree Day on July 27, Rotarian Grace Okaro, a Past District Governor of Rotary International District 9142, underscored Rotary’s firm commitment to environmental sustainability through tree planting, an initiative she described as central to the organization’s global mission.
Speaking via WhatsApp with our correspondent, Okaro emphasized that tree planting is a critical pillar of Rotary’s environmental focus, woven into the fabric of its developmental goals across the world.
“Tree planting is one of the most visible and impactful contributions Rotary makes to the environment,” she said. “In District 9142, we have taken this responsibility seriously, planting trees in hospitals, schools, public secretariats, and other vital community spaces.”
Rotary District 9142, which covers South East and parts of South South, Nigeria has made remarkable strides in greening its communities. Okaro noted that the various clubs within the district have strategically planted trees in high-traffic and high-impact areas, not only to beautify the environment but to serve long-term ecological functions and boost the economy.
She described tree planting as a deliberate act of community service, often timed with environmental awareness days and involving a wide spectrum of volunteers, from Rotary members and school children to local government officials.
“It is not just about planting trees,” Okaro said. “It’s about cultivating awareness, instilling responsibility, and leaving a legacy that will protect our environment for generations.”
Okaro stressed the urgent need for aggressive tree planting campaigns in Nigeria, pointing to environmental challenges such as deforestation, erosion, urban heat, and flooding that continue to threaten our livelihoods.
“Trees are nature’s defense against climate change,” she explained. “They regulate temperature, filter the air, reduce flooding serve as habitats for wildlife and add to our economic value. Nigeria, at all levels of government, needs to treat tree planting not as an incident of ceremony, but should be backed up by policy.” She urged federal, state, and local governments to partner with Rotary, civic organizations to promote environmental education in schools, and integrate tree planting into infrastructure development plans.
National Tree Day, established in 1996 by Australian non-profit Planet Ark, has evolved into one of the world’s largest environmental participation events. It mobilizes over 300,000 volunteers each year in efforts to plant trees, restore ecosystems, and educate communities on the importance of biodiversity and climate action.
The event is more than symbolic, it offers hands-on opportunities for people to engage with nature and improve their local environments. Activities include: Planting native and economic trees and shrubs, restoring degraded land, environmental education for schools, community clean-ups and awareness campaigns.
While the event began in Australia, the message has gone global. Okaro noted that Rotary International has taken the spirit of National Tree Day beyond its geographical roots, aligning it with Rotary’s worldwide environmental objectives.
Under Grace Okaro’s leadership and continued advocacy, District 9142 has become a beacon of green responsibility within Rotary’s global network. Through structured campaigns, Rotary clubs are actively restoring tree cover and reshaping local attitudes toward environmental stewardship.
Okaro’s message illustrates the powerful role that community leadership and civic organizations like Rotary International play in tackling global environmental challenges. With Grace Okaro’s leadership at the forefront, tree planting becomes more than a symbolic act, it becomes a sustainable movement that connects local action with global impact.
“Tree planting is our gift to the planet,” Okaro said. “It is our duty as Rotarians, Peacebuiders and citizens to take care of the Earth, and we must do it with urgency and passion.”
