INDIGENOUS TREE DAY
April 15th, Every Year
Indigenous Tree Day (ITD) marks a historic initiative where African nations and global partners, under the umbrella of the African Tree Seeds Group (ATSG), unite for a shared mission: combatting biodiversity loss.This annual celebration, taking place on April 15th, serves as a global platform to honor and safeguard our indigenous tree species, wherever we are in the world. Our inaugural ITD (ITD24) was on April 15th, 2024.
HISTORY OF ITD
The concept of Indigenous Tree Day began on Saturday, October 28, 2023, when Dr. Victor Nsereko Wantate floated the idea on the ATSG. The goal was to leverage the power of the then 250-member group for a broader, much-needed conservation impact. The ATSG collectively developed the concept into what it is today.
Study estimates suggest that as many as 3 in 4 undescribed vascular plants are likely to be already threatened with extinction.
Of the 58,000 tree species that have been assessed and confirmed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), 17,510 or 29.9% are threatened with extinction and it is feared that this number is rapidly growing.
Studies aside, as Africans, it is very obvious to us how the landscape is changing rapidly around us due to deforestation for both agricultural land and fuel.
ITD stands as a response to the pressing challenge of this biodiversity loss. By dedicating a day each year to celebrate indigenous trees globally, we aim to encourage active participation through the following initiatives:
- Educating everyone about their value.
- Prioritizing them in any planting program.
- Creating a marketplace for them and thus supporting sustained planting.
- Creating employment opportunities for young people in the conservation of indigenous and threatened tree species.
and push back to diversity loss by:
- Putting ever-increasing efforts into finding seeds of a large number of species naturally. We have challenged ATSG country teams to find and grow 30 species for ITD 24. Targets for subsequent years will be progressively higher.
- Sharing seeds across borders for shared indigenous species and in doing so, replenishing national capacities where depleted and also enrich the gene pool of the said species.
- Sharing propagation protocols and best practices for these species so as to ensure all-round success
biodiversity:
- Encourage and facilitate the formation of conservation clubs in schools
- Planting, nurturing, and monitoring trees by school conservation clubs, on school grounds
- Developing school-led efforts to restore ecosystems and establish botanical gardens and biodiversity hotspots in their communities.
SIGNIFICANCE OF ITD
ITD will contribute to the biodiversity conversation and to the preservation of ecosystems thus support well-being of our planet
Preservation of Biological diversity
ITD will emphasize the importance of conserving native tree species by recognizing the unique role of indigenous trees in maintaining diverse ecosystems, supporting various plant and animal species.
Sustainable Use of Biodiversity Components
ITD will promote the sustainable use of biological components by educating communities about the sustainable utilization of indigenous trees that will contribute to long-term ecosystem health.
Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from Biodiversity
The Indigenous Tree Day will highlight the cultural and ecological significance of indigenous trees, emphasizing the fair and equitable sharing of benefits.
Cultural and Ecological Knowledge Sharing
Indigenous Tree Day will provide a platform for sharing traditional knowledge about native trees that will foster a deeper understanding of the ecological role of these trees.
Community Engagement in Conservation
The event encourages community engagement and participation in tree planting and conservation initiatives to actively contribute to the preservation of indigenous biological diversity, fostering a sense of responsibility and ensuring that benefits are shared equitably.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE INDIGENOUS TREE DAY?
Participation in ITD is open to all who share a commitment to preserving indigenous tree species and contributing to global biodiversity efforts e.g;
HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN ITD
- Visit the ATSG website and express your interest in establishing a community- centered tree planting initiative. You’ll receive detailed guidance on starting your garden, along with registration instructions to connect with the ATSG in your country.
- Establish community-centered tree planting initiatives on various plots of land in rural and urban settings. These can take many forms—botanical gardens, street forests, mini-forests, or mixed-use green spaces—with a strong focus on indigenous species.
- Seed Source: Producing seeds for conservation or distribution.
- Research Hub: Conducting species tracking, growth monitoring, and scientific studies.
- Mixed-Use: Combining aesthetics, food, biodiversity, and ecosystem support.
- Medicinal Garden: Highlighting trees with medicinal properties to promote traditional medicine and research.
- Educational Resource: Creating learning opportunities for students and community groups.
- Partner with local nurseries or conservation organizations to obtain high-quality seeds or seedlings. Prioritize indigenous species, particularly those that are threatened, to maximize ecological impact.
- Choose a planting date, ideally around April 15, that aligns with favorable seasonal conditions in your area.
- Use ATSG-provided guidelines to prepare your site, plant your trees, and provide essential early-stage care like watering and mulching.
- Track the growth and health of your trees by measuring height, diameter, and survival rates.
- Share your findings with ATSG, and follow their recommendations for ongoing care, including pest control and maintenance.
- Invite local schools and community groups to participate in activities like planting, seedling propagation, and biodiversity education. Host educational visits and events to foster environmental awareness and stewardship among participants.
- Keep ATSG updated on your garden’s progress. Submit reports detailing growth metrics, challenges, and success stories. Your updates will help build a collective understanding of conservation impacts across communities.
- Encourage others to join the initiative by sharing your journey through social media, local events, or word-of-mouth. Inspire more individuals and groups to set up their community-centered gardens and contribute to biodiversity restoration.
Expected Outcomes
1. Increased Community Engagement in Conservation
- Increased public awareness of the need to conserve indigenous tree species through campaigns and events.
- A growing number of community botanical gardens, with active participation from local individuals and groups. Promoting the creation of at least 50 botanical gardens in participating African countries dedicated to indigenous species to supplement various local, national, and international efforts to conserve indigenous species.
- Creation of sustainable jobs in conservation, ecotourism, education, and community development by integrating indigenous tree planting and biodiversity initiatives into local economies.
- Contribution to Africa Agenda 2063 Goals 5 and 7 by fostering biodiversity restoration, sustainable land use, and climate resilience.
2. Improved Germplasm Sourcing for Threatened Species
- Boost the supply of seeds for threatened tree species by a significant percentage over 10-15 years, ensuring availability for conservation efforts in Africa.
3. Educational Impact
- Schools and research groups gain improved access to tree-based learning resources, enhancing education and engagement in biodiversity conservation.
Timeline For ITD25
- Conceptualization and mobilization of partners.
- Initial outreach to individuals, communities, schools, and nurseries.
- Capacity building workshops and community engagement.
- Seed and seedling sourcing begins.
- Finalization of ITD planning activities, including awareness campaigns and planting logistics.
- Indigenous Tree Day event: planting and awareness drives.
- Indigenous Tree Day event: planting and awareness drives.
- Activation of monitoring and accountability systems.
- Continuous community and school engagement to ensure tree survival and growth.
WHAT DO WE NEED FOR ITD
To make Indigenous Tree Day (ITD) a success, it's crucial to prioritize the sourcing of indigenous seeds and seedlings, especially those that are threatened with extinction. Here's how you can contribute:
- Prioritize sourcing seeds and seedlings of the threatened indigenous trees, contributing to their conservation.
- Ensure the selected species align with the regional biodiversity goals
- Reach out to tree nurseries that focus on preserving trees that are indigenous to your country.
- Confirm that the seedlings you are about to procure are indeed of indigenous species.
- Establish partnerships with nurseries committed to sustainable and ethical practices.
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