Barwaqo Forum youth volunteers have launched a greening campaign aimed at planting more than 500 trees. The campaign promotes environmental resilience and climate action, and is part of the Forum's regular environmental work.
Why do trees matter in Somalia?
Trees protect soil, give shade and help land cope with drought and floods. In Somalia they have been under heavy pressure. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that 8.2 million trees were cut for charcoal between 2011 and 2017, and that the cost of deforestation and land degradation linked to charcoal alone is about $216 million (as reported by UNTMIS, 5 June 2025). The same source links widespread deforestation to land degradation, food insecurity and greater vulnerability to flooding and drought.
What is the Barwaqo Forum campaign?
Youth volunteers launched a city-wide greening campaign to promote environmental resilience and climate action. The aim is to plant over 500 trees, mobilizing young people as active citizens who take responsibility for their surroundings. Members of the Forum have also joined tree planting and a beach cleanup in Mogadishu.
Is planting trees enough?
Planting is only the first step. A UN feature from Kismayo shows why. A volunteer-led greening group there lost more than 7,000 seedlings to animals in 2019 alone, and said it needs protective barriers around its nurseries (UNTMIS, 5 June 2025). The lesson is practical: young trees need protection, watering and follow-up care to survive.
Charcoal demand is the other half of the story. The same Kismayo activist says that understanding why people rely on charcoal is key to reducing deforestation. Trees planted today work best when families also have realistic options for cooking fuel and income.
How can you take part?
Join a Barwaqo Forum volunteer campaign, or help care for planted trees after the event. Schools, businesses and public institutions can partner on planting and aftercare. Before planting in your area, ask local environment authorities which species suit the local climate and who will water and protect the seedlings.
Contact: info@barwaqoforum.org, +252 610 38 71 44, Hodan District, Banadir, Mogadishu, Somalia.
Frequently asked questions
How many trees is the campaign aiming to plant?
More than 500 trees.
Who is running the campaign?
Youth volunteers of Barwaqo Forum, a youth-led non-profit in Mogadishu.
Why is deforestation a problem in Somalia?
UNEP estimates 8.2 million trees were cut for charcoal between 2011 and 2017, contributing to land degradation, food insecurity and greater exposure to floods and droughts (UNTMIS, 5 June 2025).
How can I volunteer?
Contact Barwaqo Forum at info@barwaqoforum.org to join planting and aftercare activities.
Barwaqo Forum: Empowering Youth, Inspiring Leadership, and Building a Better Future.
