Nigerian refugees in Cameroon find solace in trees
In Minawao refugee camp of Cameroon’s Far North region, where many Nigerian refugees settle down, a project dubbed “Make Minawao Green Again” is working to make a difference for everyone and reverse deforestation both in the camp and surrounding villages, providing wood, shade, food and building material to these people who are away from their homeland.
SHOUCK ALI, Refugee”I decided to plant the trees simply because I know it will give me a shade where I can have some fresh air during the dry season. Because in my country, where I come from, I have a lot of trees surrounding my house.It’s really helping me a lot. As you can see, even without roof, the trees are there to give us fresh air and also it protects against the wind that is destroying our environment all the time.When I look at the trees and the wind blows to the trees I feel at home. So that at least give me a rest of mind sometimes when I am upset.”
KIMBERLY ROBERSON, Head of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Sub-office in Maroua”When the refugee camp was installed where it’s now, a number of trees were cut down, so part of the program is putting the trees back. So we are having them work with planting trees, taking care of trees and learning about the techniques.Some of the trees that are planted have fruit that have different types of nutrients. And so, the trees not only provide wood, not only do they provide shade, not only do they provide protection and building materials, they also provide food.We have actually provided trees to other sides as well, to the local population, about half a million trees. It’s not a huge contributor to the global fight against climate change when we talk about ocean warming and temperature rising, but it certainly brings an awareness and a certain level of returning to the earth.”
Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Minawao, Cameroon
