C.R.S In collaboration with Caritas Freetown On Wednesday 8th of June 2022,  undertakes a one-day tree planting activity at the River Number 2 Community. The purpose of this activity is to educate the people of River Number 2 about the importance of sustainable forestry for the long-term health of the economy and natural resources.

Sierra Leone is known for its diverse animal life, miles of sandy beaches, and beautiful forests covering more than 30% of the country. Since the early 80s and 90s, Sierra Leone has lost more than 40% of its forest. With a remarkable 60% of Sierra Leoneans depending on forests for their livelihoods, deforestation has a major impact on communities. To reverse this trend, C.R.S and Caritas Freetown are focusing on improving land management by planting trees and protecting forests. This project is part of C.R.S yearly activity plan, an initiative to restore our ecosystem.

Trees improve soil health by protecting it from wind and rain, absorbing water, and building stability with their root structures.

Planting trees in Sierra Leone will help create young, resilient forests that can absorb carbon, clean the water and air, and recover from fire, drought, and flooding. Together we can educate indigenous communities about the land. Increasing awareness about climate change within communities around Sierra Leone.

This activity targeted two main catchments communities that are disaster-prone. Jeff Town – which is one of the newly established communities has suffered greatly in the past storm that left a lot of houses destroyed. Today up to 60 trees of avocado and coconuts were planted in this community. Also, the road leading down to the beach was targeted where we planted up to 40 trees of the same verities.

Additionally, as part of the day activity, a donation was made at the St. Mary’s Fatima Interim Care Centre at the River Number 2 Community. Part of this donation was Painting Books, crayons, Toys, Pens, and Pencils.