News Published: 20 January 2025

Indigenous Tree Day 2025: A Mission to Restore Africa’s Biodiversity

On 15 April 2025, conservationists and communities across Africa will unite for the second annual Indigenous Tree Day (ITD), a ground-breaking initiative to combat biodiversity loss and restore the continent’s natural heritage. Founded by Dr. Victor Nsereko Wantate and the African Tree Seeds Group (ATSG), ITD has become a rallying point for collective action to safeguard indigenous trees and their ecosystems.

The inaugural event in 2024 saw the planting of 2,459 seedlings across 12 countries, representing 341 indigenous species, including 70 listed as vulnerable or endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This year, ITD25 aims to surpass those achievements by planting 10,000 seedlings at 50 sites across 25 African nations, with 40% of species prioritized from the IUCN Red List.

The event is not just about tree planting. ITD fosters community engagement, capacity building, and education. Schools and conservation clubs play a critical role, with youth being actively involved in nurturing biodiversity through hands-on projects and monitoring. New initiatives this year include the creation of 30 botanical gardens by August 2025, many doubling as seed banks or research hubs for threatened species.

A key highlight is the formation of 50 partnerships with governments, NGOs, and private sector organizations, aiming to advance conservation efforts and create sustainable livelihoods. These collaborations are central to the initiative’s long-term vision, which includes restoring biodiversity corridors, enhancing seed and germplasm availability, and improving monitoring tools.

ITD is also addressing deforestation and the widespread planting of invasive species by promoting indigenous trees for their ecological, economic, and cultural value. The restoring of native flora aligns conservation with local needs, supporting Africa’s ecosystems and communities alike.

With its ambitious goals and grassroots approach, Indigenous Tree Day is poised to become a cornerstone in Africa’s fight against biodiversity loss.

To learn more or get involved, visit www.IndigenousTreeDay.org or email: Info@LuTreeCo.com.