Lt-Col. Viagbo Mensah, Prefect of Assoli, conducted an evaluation tour of reforestation sites in communes Assoli 1 and 2 on November 12, accompanied by his technical staff and Captain Panassa Dihèza, Director of Environmental Affairs. This visit is part of the 2024-2026 reforestation campaign, aiming to contribute to the national goal of one billion trees by 2030. The sites visited included Awangala in Assoli 1, and Dikorodè and Tagbadè in Assoli 2.
At Awangala, the delegation observed that Khaya sénélengalensis trees planted since 2024 have grown significantly, with some reaching a considerable height. However, some plants had died or were damaged, necessitating replacement. The Prefect urged local communities to enhance site surveillance, replace dead plants in the next campaign, and resolve land-related conflicts. He also encouraged traditional leaders to involve the Fulbé community in plant maintenance and protection.
The Prefect and his team also visited Dikorodè in Assoli 2, where they inspected sites reforested in 2025 and 2026. The site is well-maintained, with young Gmelina trees growing well but remaining fragile. Lt-Col. Viagbo emphasized the need for regular monitoring to protect the young plants from animal and insect damage. Local actors began site maintenance, including weeding, pruning, and tracing firebreaks to prevent bushfires.
In Tagbadè, a site reforested in 2025, eucalyptus trees have reached a considerable height, while Gmelina trees, which grow slower, showed signs of animal damage. The Prefect noted a generally positive assessment of plant growth but stressed the importance of regular maintenance, including firebreak upkeep, animal surveillance, and replacement of dead plants during the upcoming rainy season.
The Prefect's tour highlighted the importance of community involvement in reforestation efforts. He encouraged local populations to take ownership of site maintenance and protection. The Director of Environmental Affairs also urged communities to adopt regeneration practices to ensure the long-term success of reforestation initiatives.
The evaluation tour demonstrated the progress made in the Assoli prefecture's reforestation efforts. While challenges remain, the positive growth of trees and community engagement offer hope for achieving Togo's environmental goals. The Prefect's recommendations will be implemented to ensure continued progress.
The reforestation campaign in Togo aims to contribute significantly to the country's environmental policy objectives. The Assoli prefecture's efforts are part of a broader national initiative to plant one billion trees by 2030. With continued community involvement and effective maintenance, Togo can make progress toward achieving its environmental targets.
Key points
- The Prefect of Assoli noted a generally positive assessment of tree growth in the prefecture's reforestation sites.
- The evaluation tour highlighted the importance of community involvement in reforestation efforts.
- Togo aims to plant one billion trees by 2030 as part of its environmental policy objectives.
