In a significant move for environmental conservation, the Sahara Group has joined forces with the Gelegele Forest Reserve in Edo State to launch a major reforestation project. This partnership, under the company's Adopt-A-Forest Initiative, marks a strengthened commitment to sustainability and nature-based climate solutions.
A Collaborative Launch for a Greener Future
The initiative kicked off with an ambitious start: the planting of 20,000 tree seedlings. This effort is strategically targeted at restoring areas within the reserve that have suffered degradation. The project launch was a collaborative event, involving key stakeholders like the Edo State Forestry Commission and the Gelegele Forest Reserve Board.
Ejiro Gray, the Director of Governance and Sustainability at Sahara Group, emphasized the profound importance of the program. She described the Adopt-A-Forest Initiative as a core component of the company's vision, stating it is far more than just planting trees. "We recognise this God-given gift as vital to managing emissions, sequestering carbon, and ensuring that Africa’s lungs continue to sustain the planet," Gray said.
The Expanding Reach of Adopt-A-Forest
Launched in 2023, the Adopt-A-Forest Initiative is a dedicated climate action programme. Its primary goals are to restore damaged landscapes and protect Africa's natural carbon sinks, which are crucial in the global fight against climate change. The program has seen remarkable growth.
By 2024, it had already expanded its reach to several countries, including Nigeria, Cameroon, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, and Dubai. The expansion is set to continue, with additional projects planned for Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Kenya in 2025.
Integrated Sustainability and Community Impact
Babatomiwa Adesida, Head of Business Support at Asharami Energy, a Sahara Group subsidiary, highlighted the project's integrated approach. "At Asharami Energy, sustainability is at the core of our business. Our support for the Adopt-A-Forest Initiative reflects our shared responsibility to regenerate the environment and protect biodiversity," he stated. He added that every tree planted is a step toward reversing decades of environmental damage.
The project also focuses on creating positive outcomes for local communities. It aims to support sustainable livelihoods and protect biodiversity, ensuring that the restoration efforts provide long-term benefits beyond just the environment.
Hon. Asuen Valentine, Chairman of the Edo State Forestry Commission, praised Sahara Group's intervention. "The best time to plant a tree was years ago; the second-best time is now. We are grateful to Sahara Group for championing the Adopt-A-Forest Initiative and commend this visionary effort that will go a long way in restoring our forests for future generations," he remarked.
Gray reaffirmed Sahara Group's unwavering commitment to leading climate action across its operations in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. She stressed that this work is both necessary and non-negotiable, underscoring the need to balance the preservation of natural forests with the drive for sustainable development for all.
The Adopt-A-Forest Initiative remains a central pillar of Sahara Group's overall climate strategy, combining nature-based solutions with resource efficiency and stakeholder collaboration to safeguard Africa's forests.
