Yaound©: Olam Agri, in partnership with Roots and Suits Empower Foundation (RSEF), has launched 'A Tree for the Future', a national reforestation and environmental sustainability initiative aimed at mobilising the private sector, public institutions, and civil society to restore urban ecosystems through large-scale tree planting and community-led environmental stewardship.
According to Cameroon News Agency, the initiative supports Cameroon's commitment to restore 12 million hectares of forest by 2030 and underscores the critical role of collaborative action in addressing climate change and environmental degradation. As part of the programme, Olam Agri has joined the collective ambition to plant 20,000 trees across major cities in Cameroon by 2027 and has committed to planting 1,000 trees in Douala and Tiko over the same period. The initiative aligns with Olam Agri's purpose of transforming food, feed, and fibre for a more sustainable future, with climate action and carbon emissions reduction remaining key priorities for the company.
Beyond contributing to carbon sequestration, the project is expected to improve air quality, enhance urban biodiversity, and help mitigate rising temperatures in the Littoral and South-West regions through the creation of greener and more resilient urban environments. Speaking at the launch, Veeresh Mallikarjun Hiremath, Country Head for Cameroon at Olam Agri, expressed pride in joining hands with various stakeholders in this important initiative to help address the impacts of climate change in Cameroon. He emphasized that sustainability is at the heart of Olam Agri's operations.
Ashu Ma-Mbeng Success, Head of Corporate Communications and Sustainability Lead at Olam Agri in Cameroon, also highlighted the broader significance of the initiative, stating that the programme goes beyond planting trees and aims to inspire individuals and organisations to recognize the vital role they can play in safeguarding the environment. Success mentioned that every tree planted today is an investment in a more sustainable and resilient future, noting that Cameroon continues to face environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil degradation, and the increasing effects of climate variability.
Through initiatives such as 'A Tree for the Future', Olam Agri hopes to encourage greater environmental awareness and collective responsibility. The company reaffirms its commitment to advancing sustainable development, supporting climate resilience, and contributing to greener, healthier communities across Cameroon.