The Cross River Government, on Monday, in Calabar, declared today (July 30) a public holiday for the planting of one million trees in a ceremony known as the ‘Green Carnival’.

According to a statement by the Permanent Secretary, State Security Office, Dr. Alfred Mboto, the general public should be informed that major routes in Calabar will be closed to motorists from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the tree planting.

Mboto said that the closure was to give way to the green carnival train to freely move round the state capital and plant trees in designated spots.

The permanent secretary stressed that the state government hoped for strict compliance to this directive.

He said the areas in Calabar that would be closed included Botanical Garden Road, Target Road, Mary Slessor Avenue from Bogobiri to the College of Health Tech gate.

Also to be blocked are Marian Road, IBB Way and Calabar Road and Transcorp Hotel Roundabout.

Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River had last Wednesday declared July 30, a public holiday for the planting of one million trees.

The governor had the statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Christian Ita that setting aside a day for tree planting “underscores our readiness for the REDD+ and commitment to forest conservation and management.”

“REDD+ is Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, plus the sustainable management of forests, and the conservation and enhancement of forest carbon stocks.”

It is also an essential part of the global efforts to mitigate climate change, and FAO is supporting developing countries in their REDD+ processes.

FAO is also turning their political commitments as represented in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDD), into action on the ground. (NAN)

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