Huye residents, mostly the youth, were on Saturday, March 11, joined by different government officials and diplomats from Commonwealth countries in Rwanda for a special Commonwealth Umuganda tree planting ceremony.

More than 3,000 trees were planted in the Huye Arboretum dedicated to the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy (QCC) project. The QCC initiative was launched by the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, in 2015.

It aims to create a network of protected forests across the Commonwealth, preserving vital ecosystems for future generations.

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The tree planting initiative is part of celebrations to mark Commonwealth Day 2023, scheduled to take place on March 13.

Seedlings of Croton megalocarpus, Markhamia lutea, Dombea torrida, and Harungana montana were planted for conservation and promotion of indigenous species of trees for research purposes.

The Minister of Environment, Jeanne d&039;Arc Mujawamariya, highlighted the government's efforts to keep the environment green.

"Planting trees is a symbolic gesture that reflects our commitment to sustainability and protecting our planet," she said.

"As we plant these trees, today, let's not only think about the benefits they will bring to the environment, but also the critical role they play in supporting sustainable development," Mujawamariya said.

She called upon the youth of Huye to keep up their admirable dedication to climate action.

"We all understand that the youth are the backbone of our society, and their participation in shaping a sustainable future is essential. Your commitment to creating a greener future is a source of hope and pride, and an inspiration to all young Rwandans," Mujawamariya said.

The youth who participated were glad to put in their efforts to secure a better future for generations to come.

Eric Ruhamya Kamuhangire, a student at IPRC Huye, said: "We really appreciate being included in this event. Trees are so essential to the environment. So, as we're planting them, we're contributing to building the country."

Habiyaremye Fidel, a Heritage and History student at the University of Rwanda, said: "We already have clubs in our school that look after the environment.

We were really proud to plant trees today, and the message was not to only plant, but looking after them for sustainability purposes."

Ange Pacifique Nishimwe, a law student at the University of Rwanda, said the green revolution shows how the country is committed to bettering the future. The youth could not be happier to be apart of it, she said.

"This forest holds so much value because it brings in fresh air to our campus. It's home to wildlife, and not to forget that it also helps bring rain to the surrounding area," Nishimwe said.

The Ministry of Environment recognizes the tree planting effort as a global movement for forest conservation towards a more sustainable, greener future.