Beau Plan, July 8: A tree-planting activity was designed to inspire action by raising awareness about the environment and fostering a culture of sustainability where the African Leadership College of Higher Education (ALCHE) partnered with the NGO, Friends of the Environment, for another community-driven initiative that embodies their shared commitment towards environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
On July 4, ALCHE students and staff joined forces with Friends of the Environment for a tree-planting project at La Citadelle, with the aim of creating a self-sustaining forest ecosystem in the heart of Port-Louis on the northern flank of Petite Montagne. Building on the success of the Hands of Change project in collaboration with Lakaz Lespwar, the tree-planting initiative marked the second community activity supported by ALCHE since the kick-off of its decennial celebration.
Committed towards the restoration of a native dry forest cover at La Citadelle, Restoration Manager at Friends of the Environment Jayaneesh Namah, offered an introduction on the importance of local biodiversity. Moreover, the tree-planting activity, considered a plant care demonstration, also took place on the same day to reinforce a shared sense of pride and purpose through community-driven action.
Jayaneesh Namah commented on the Project’s mission to restore native biodiversity while fostering deeper ecological awareness in our communities. By planting native plants at La Citadelle, we are not only reclaiming degraded land, but also planting the seeds of environmental stewardship in young minds.”
Highlighting the fact that academic institutions like ALCHE play a crucial role in addressing today’s climate and ecological crises, she stated that they provide a space where knowledge meets action, coupled with the fact that students can meaningfully engage with urgent global issues through local, tangible efforts.
She added, “We warmly commend ALCHE’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Their leadership in bringing students into the heart of nature-based action is both timely and necessary. We hope this partnership inspires more youth-led initiatives for a greener and more resilient Mauritius.”
On her part, Projects Senior Associate at ALCHE Gabriella Moocarme revealed, “Collaborating with Friends of the Environment is a meaningful milestone for us as it is a way for our students to not only get to discover a historical monument, La Citadelle, but also to support the environment. This collaboration blends learning with action, allowing our students to engage in meaningful sustainability efforts.”
ALCHE will continue to engage with more NGOs and community stakeholders as part of its ongoing decennial celebrations, which will culminate in October. “Such partnerships provide invaluable experiences for our students by broadening their perspectives, building their skills, and fostering a strong sense of social responsibility. Most importantly, they serve as a powerful way to inspire our students to become more solution-oriented leaders,” She added.
