by Otuo-Akyampong Boakye, Ghana
Smart tree planting is a project by Eco Warriors Movement that seeks to create green zones in urban centers where tree loss is a major concern while innovatively using the science behind tree growing to address environmental problems such as climate change, air pollution, food security and habitat loss.
Sanitation-related areas like public toilets and refuse dumps are of environmental concern in Ghana now. Looking at how fertile these areas are and the availability of the land, we transform such areas into green zones by planting indigenous tree species and fruit trees.
The trees will grow to sequester carbon, produce oxygen to refresh the ambient air in these areas, provide shade and habitat for birds who are continuously losing their habitat due to urbanization. The leaves of the trees will also provide surfaces for dust and particulate matter to settle.
At the same time, the fruit trees provide free fruits for children in the community to balance their diet. As an Environmental Scientist, I also look for avenues to juxtapose science and sustainability in a startling manner and that is the motivation for this project.
With our partnership with GreenStand, we are able to digitally monitor and track our trees and provide an online presence for our project in real-time. We shall, at a point in the project, convert all our trees to impact tokens for carbon trading at the GreenStand platform for financial gains to motivate our volunteers.
Join us if you want to explore how to make basic science and technology profitable in achieving environmental sustainability and the SDGs.
This video was submitted as part of the World Forestry Congress forest change-maker video competition. You can see all accepted entries here. Shortlisted finalists and winners will be announced later in February.
#WorldForestVoices 
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