Baidoa, Somalia – On June 5th, Green Arlaadi, a dynamic youth-led environmental advocacy organization, commemorated World Environment Day with a series of impactful activities across Baidoa. This year’s theme, “Our land. Our future. We are #GenerationRestoration,” emphasized land restoration, halting desertification, and building drought resilience. The message was clear: while we cannot turn back time, we can plant forests, revive water sources, and restore soils. Our generation can make peace with the land, and Green Arlaadi took significant steps toward this goal.
Addressing Plastic Pollution
Plastic waste is a severe problem in Baidoa, as in many other cities in Somalia. The lack of awareness and the excessive use of plastics have compounded the issue. Green Arlaadi focused its efforts on one of the most affected areas, the main bridge in Salamey Village. Volunteers gathered early in the morning, equipped with gloves, bags, and a resolve to make a difference. Over the course of several hours, the team collected hundreds of bags of plastic waste.
The collected waste was transported to the main waste management site on the outskirts of Baidoa. Although the amount of accumulated waste was overwhelming and prevented a complete cleanup, the effort was significant. The cleanup drew attention from local residents and media, highlighting the pervasive problem of plastic pollution. By turning eyes to this critical issue, Green Arlaadi aimed to spark a broader conversation about waste management and environmental responsibility in Baidoa.
Tree Plantation at Abdalla Derow Girls School
The second major activity of the day took place at the Abdalla Derow Girls School, a well-known educational institution in Baidoa. Green Arlaadi organized a tree plantation event, aiming to instill a sense of environmental stewardship among the students. The event kicked off with an educational session where volunteers explained the importance of trees in combating climate change, providing oxygen, and supporting biodiversity.
Students from both primary and secondary levels participated enthusiastically. They learned about the role they could play in protecting their environment and the benefits of trees to their community. Together, the volunteers and students planted several dozen trees on the school grounds. This initiative not only beautified the school but also served as a practical lesson in sustainability. The students were encouraged to take responsibility for the newly planted trees, ensuring their growth and survival.
Public Talk on Environmental Restoration
The day culminated in a public talk attended by students, activists, local leaders, and media representatives. This session was designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues and the vital role that every individual can play in restoration efforts. Keynote speakers included environmental experts, community leaders, and influential activists who shared insights on various topics, including the impact of deforestation, the importance of sustainable practices, and how to mobilize community efforts for environmental protection.
One of the highlights of the talk was a segment on how social media influencers and young activists can leverage their platforms to raise awareness and drive change. Participants were encouraged to use their voices and networks to promote environmental conservation and to engage more youth in these critical issues.
Expanding Reach Through Social Media
Green Arlaadi volunteers extended their campaign beyond physical activities by leveraging social media platforms. Through targeted campaigns on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, they reached out to a broader audience, particularly focusing on the youth. The posts included educational content about environmental issues, updates on the day’s activities, and calls to action encouraging others to join in tree planting and cleanup efforts.
These online efforts significantly amplified the impact of the day’s activities, creating a ripple effect that inspired more individuals to get involved in environmental protection.
Conclusion
Green Arlaadi’s initiatives on World Environment Day 2024 made a notable impact on Baidoa’s community. By addressing plastic pollution, promoting tree planting, and educating the public, the organization took crucial steps towards a more sustainable and resilient future. These efforts are just the beginning, as Green Arlaadi plans to continue advocating for environmental protection and restoration. Our actions today will shape the environment for generations to come, and Green Arlaadi remains committed to the mantra, “Our land. Our future. We are #GenerationRestoration.” Together, we can make peace with the land and ensure a healthier planet for all.