[Editorial] Little Hands Go Green drive will boost conservation efforts

Little Hands Go Green-Rwanda, an environmental conservation campaign, was launched over the weekend in Kigali. Targeting children under 13, the campaign is being supported by Vision City Kigali, a green city housing project, and Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA). The campaign is designed to educate children to take part in a mass tree planting exercise in Kigali and beyond as part of efforts to promote environmental conservation. The initiative is a timely shot in the arm of environmental conservation efforts and sustainable development. In the past, climate change mitigation efforts have focused on adults. Paying more attention to children in this effort will not only make it sustainable, but will also ensure that children appreciate the importance of preserving the environment from a young age. It is a good starting point to groom a future generation that will advocate for environmental preservation, which is a prerequisite to achieve sustainable growth. Like the architects of the initiative observed, it will certainly put children at the forefront of tree-planting and climate change mitigation efforts. It is also a good platform to educate children about the dangers of destroying the environment through irresponsible cutting of trees without replacing them. Other stakeholders in environment conservation efforts, such as schools and parents, should rally behind this campaign to ensure that it becomes a success. With about five million children in Rwanda, the campaign is no doubt a step in the right direction as far as achieving the country’s green growth agenda is concerned. However, to make the initiative more participatory, organisers should urge primary schools to establish ‘Little Hands Go Green’ clubs focusing on advocating the objectives of the initiative. Also, competitions can be organised to reward the best clubs in this regard. The initiative has potential to go a long way in inculcating a culture of appreciating environmental preservation among children.

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[Editorial] Little Hands Go Green drive will boost conservation efforts