21 July 2009 -- As part of its efforts to enhance and develop the physical environment in the Mission area, UNAMID today commenced planting trees at its headquarters in El Fasher. An initial 50 seedlings were planted during today’s exercise and it is expected that the project will culminate in December when the goal of 1,000 trees will be planted in all UNAMID compounds.

Deputy Joint Special Representative, General Henry K. Anyidoho, noted that, in addition to bringing peace and security to Darfur, UNAMID was demonstrating through this initiative that it was committed to contributing to the enhancement of the environment in the area. He pointed out that the area’s vegetation had been subject to further desertification, but the Mission was helping to improve those environmental conditions through its tree-planting project.

The exercise is being undertaken following a recommendation by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) on engaging ways to address the impact of the conflict in Darfur on the environment.

The saplings used for today’s exercise were provided by the national non-governmental organization, Practical Action and the project is being led by UNAMID’s Gender Advisory Unit.

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