- letstalk@treescapeplanet.org
On October 26th, 2024, Treescape Planet hosted an impactful event in Gombe, Uganda, aimed at promoting sustainable tourism, empowering women smallholder farmers, and fostering environmental stewardship among the youth. This tree-planting initiative not only contributed to environmental conservation but also strengthened our ongoing commitment to building resilient communities through education and action.
The event kicked off with a community gathering of local women farmers, students, and volunteers, who came together to plant over 1,000 native and fruit tree saplings in the surrounding areas of Gombe Secondary School. The tree-planting activity was part of our broader mission to restore ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and engage the local community in climate action. The event was designed to empower women smallholder farmers by providing them with the knowledge and resources to lead sustainable agricultural practices while supporting students in their journey towards environmental advocacy.
Before the tree planting commenced, the day featured insightful training and awareness sessions for both women farmers and students. Over 30 women smallholder farmers received practical training on sustainable farming techniques and climate-smart agriculture, which will help them improve their resilience to climate change while enhancing their agricultural productivity. In addition, 300 students from Gombe Secondary School participated in educational sessions on sustainable tourism, reforestation, and the importance of preserving natural resources.
These sessions were an integral part of the event as they empowered participants to take ownership of their environment and become advocates for sustainable practices in their communities.
The success of the event was due to the collective effort of local leaders, community members, and corporate partners. We are deeply grateful for the contributions from our sponsors, including Sama Source, Stanbic Bank, Centenary Bank, Active Gorilla Safaris, and Roofings Uganda Limited, whose support made the event possible.
Through these partnerships, we were able to provide much-needed resources, such as tree saplings, tools, and educational materials, which were key to the event’s success. The collaborative spirit of the event embodied our shared commitment to creating a more sustainable and eco-conscious community.
We are excited to announce that the Gombe Plant a Tree initiative was recognized at the prestigious Uganda Marketing Excellence Awards (UMEAs), which were held on Friday, 13th December 2024, at the Kampala Serena Hotel under the theme “Promoting Sustainable Marketing.” This recognition was awarded in acknowledgment of our innovative efforts in promoting sustainability through grassroots initiatives that engage local communities and contribute to environmental conservation.
The UMEAs have long been known for celebrating exceptional marketing campaigns that drive social good and environmental change. To receive such an accolade reinforces the positive impact of the Gombe tree planting event, as well as our commitment to fostering a sustainable future for Uganda. The award highlights our innovative approach to integrating environmental responsibility into our marketing and community outreach efforts.
This award also exemplifies the importance of collaboration between businesses, local communities, and organizations to promote sustainable practices while also showcasing the role of marketing in spreading awareness and encouraging action for the planet.
While the October 26th event was a significant milestone, it is only the beginning of a larger vision for Gombe and the surrounding communities. Moving forward, we plan to:
We will continue to offer training sessions for smallholder farmers, focusing on advanced techniques in sustainable agriculture, tree care, and climate resilience.
We aim to establish environmental clubs in Gombe Secondary School to keep the momentum going, providing students with opportunities to engage in ongoing conservation activities and learn about sustainability in a hands-on way.
Regular monitoring and maintenance of the trees planted during the event will be a priority to ensure their growth and longevity, contributing to the long-term health of the local ecosystem.
We will continue to engage local businesses, government officials, and international partners to ensure the sustainability of the project and explore further opportunities for collaboration and funding.
As we look to the future, we invite you to join us in our mission to empower communities and protect the environment. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word, your involvement can make a difference in the lives of women, youth, and the planet.
If you’d like to support our continued efforts to foster sustainability in Gombe, we invite you to donate to the project. Your contributions will help us expand the program, plant more trees, and continue educating future generations about the importance of environmental stewardship.
Click here to donate and support Treescape
Together, we can create a greener, more sustainable future for Gombe and for the world.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this event possible—our volunteers, partners, community members, and the dedicated individuals who made the day unforgettable. This event was a powerful reminder that when we come together, we can create lasting change.
Treescape Planet Organization is a registered NGO INDP0006059NB