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National Tree Day, celebrated every December 5th in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was held under the theme: « The Tree: The Salvation of Our Planet, Let’s Plant It and Keep It in Our Living Environments. »
This event focused on the importance of trees in the fight against environmental degradation, emphasizing the crucial role they play in improving air quality, preserving ecosystems, combating climate change, and preventing deforestation.
In Goma, about a thousand people attended, and the day featured two major activities:
A scientific exchange between students from ISDR-Grand Lac’s sustainable development program and professors from universities (UNIGOM and ISDR-GL), presentations from state officials working in the field of environmental protection, journalists, and researchers from various environmental organizations.
The second activity was a tree planting ceremony where participants, including invited guests, local authorities, and citizens, demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting a green economy and restoring ecosystems.
Why National Tree Day in the DRC?
This day aims to raise awareness among the population about the importance of trees for the environment and sustainable development.
The workshop was structured around three sub-themes:
- Scientists from UNIGOM and ISDR/GL universities debated air purification issues in North Kivu province.
- Professionals and government agents working in the environmental sector (ICCN, FFN, and the Provincial Division of Environment) discussed the impact of war on the forest ecosystems of North Kivu.
- Civil society organizations addressed the survival of the forest ecosystems in North Kivu province and the role of civil society organizations.
The second part of the event involved tree planting in the valley of Mugunga neighborhood, near the Lushagala displaced persons camp, aimed at raising awareness among the displaced people about environmental protection.
Air Purification
Air purification refers to the processes that cleanse the air by eliminating or reducing pollutants. According to an expert at ISDR/GL, air purification can be achieved through natural methods such as plants and trees that absorb certain pollutants. In Goma, for example, the Nyiragongo volcano pollutes the air with volcanic by-products, and technology such as air filters and air purifiers can also help.
Experts highlight that air pollution in the DRC is caused by various factors, including:
- Natural pollution sources:
Humans: Even when we sleep, we breathe in at least 60% of the air from plants.
Natural disasters: The eruption of Mount Nyiragongo has increasingly polluted Goma with volcanic materials like lava, smoke, ash, and strong winds.
Forest fires: Forest and bushfires, often set to clear land for farming, release large amounts of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and other pollutants.
- Biomass combustion: In rural areas, using wood and charcoal for cooking generates both indoor and outdoor air pollution.
- Untreated waste: Burning waste, such as plastics and medical or spoiled goods, releases toxic substances into the air.
- Vehicle emissions: Emissions from vehicles, especially those using poor-quality fuel or poorly maintained, contribute significantly to air pollution, especially during traffic jams in cities like Goma.
- Industrial emissions: Certain industries, like cement factories, beverage plants, mining, and oil refining, emit pollutants like nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter.
The Harmful Effects of Air Pollution
The impacts of air pollution are numerous and affect humans, animals, and the environment:
- Human Health:
Respiratory diseases: Air pollution is a major cause of respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and other lung diseases.
Cardiovascular diseases: Fine particles and other pollutants can cause heart problems.
Cancer: Some pollutants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from biomass fires and vehicles, are carcinogenic.
Child development: Exposure to air pollution can harm children’s physical and mental development.
- Wildlife:
Toxicity: Air pollution can affect animals’ respiratory systems and reproductive health.
Habitat disruption: Pollution can degrade ecosystems, affecting animals’ food sources and habitats.
- Environment:
Acidification of soil and water: Acid rain from industrial emissions can change the chemical composition of soil and water, disrupting local ecosystems.
Climate change: Pollutants like carbon dioxide contribute to global warming, impacting the entire planet, including the DRC.
It’s important to note that air pollution in the DRC is a multifaceted issue impacting public health, the environment, and biodiversity.
Sustainable Solutions for Air Purification
Research indicates that air purification is essential for improving air quality and protecting human health. Solutions include:
- Awareness and education:
Environmental education: Raise awareness about the effects of air pollution and the actions people can take to reduce it. Tree planting remains the most sustainable solution. The population must be educated on the importance of planting trees in their living environments.
- Urban greening and green spaces:
Increase green spaces: Plants and trees absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants, while improving oxygen levels in urban areas.
Green walls and roofs: Install rooftop gardens and green walls to capture clean air.
Indoor plants: Some plants help purify indoor air by absorbing toxins and producing oxygen.
- Reducing domestic pollution:
Fewer chemicals: Use less polluting cleaning products and paints.
Effective ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in homes to prevent indoor pollution buildup.
- Reducing industrial and vehicle emissions:
Stricter industrial regulations: Implement stricter pollution control measures for factories, especially for greenhouse gases, fine particles, and nitrogen oxides.
Transition to electric vehicles: Encourage the use of electric or hybrid vehicles and improve charging infrastructure.
- Promoting renewable energy:
Solar and wind energy: Encourage renewable energy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, a major source of air pollution.
Clean biomass: Promote the use of biomass in efficient systems like high-performance boilers to reduce indoor and outdoor air pollution.
- Improving public transport and non-polluting mobility:
Public transport: Invest in effective and non-polluting public transport systems (electric trains, buses, boats).
Active mobility: Promote walking, cycling, and other soft modes of transport by developing appropriate infrastructure.
- Indoor air filtration and purification:
Air purifiers: Use air purification devices like HEPA filters to remove fine particles and pollutants indoors.
These solutions require a combined approach at the local, national, and international levels to have a real impact on air quality and public health.
Awareness actions and infrastructure improvements are crucial to reducing these effects and improving air quality.
In celebration of National Tree Day, Honoré Mulamba Kalala, the Managing Director of the National Forest Fund (FFN), financed a reforestation project of five (5) hectares in the North Kivu province. The goal is to combat climate change, which has been affecting the planet for several years. This large project was launched near the Lushagala 2 displaced persons camp in the Mugunga neighborhood, west of Goma, where some trees have already been planted.
Madame Bayo Kamala, FFN North Kivu branch manager, congratulated her hierarchy for offering the population of North Kivu a reforestation project of 5 hectares. “I congratulate our director-general for funding this tree planting project on 5 hectares. This year, he also funded the reforestation of 50 hectares in October. It is a commendable act. On this day, we encourage the people of North Kivu to plant trees because without trees, we can do nothing. It was said during the conference that we breathe in at least 60% of the air from plants. That’s why we come to encourage the Mugunga population to join us in planting trees.”
What are universities doing to tackle air pollution?
Universities and environmental institutions in Goma are actively engaged in addressing air purification in the city.
“Goma University (UNIGOM), through its various departments related to sustainable development and environmental protection, has already planted trees in areas once ravaged by the volcano near our Mugunga site,” said a UNIGOM representative.
The head of works representing ISDR/GL also discussed local initiatives within their institution: “Our institution organizes botanical gardens where we have nurseries and seedlings for flowers that we sell to the population for replanting in their home gardens.”
It should be noted that the history of National Tree Day in the DRC, celebrated every December 5th, was established by presidential decree in 1984. This day aims to raise awareness of the importance of trees for the environment and the fight against climate change. Over the years, it has evolved to include themes related to forest resource preservation and reforestation, such as the presidential project to plant one billion trees by 2023. To achieve this goal, tree planting ceremonies are organized nationwide to encourage community participation.
