The Republic has been invited by the United Nations to take a leadership role in helping deliver the Great Green Wall and combat desertification in a massive swathe of land south of the Sahara known as the Sahel.
The Laudato Tree Project, run by the Society of African Missions (SMA), hopes to create a lasting legacy from the Pope’s visit to Ireland this August.
Irish President Michael D Higgins is expected to deliver a major speech on the issue of desertification and the country’s response in Dublin on Monday.
Don Mullan, a spokesman for the Society of African Missions (SMA), said: “As the emerald island, Africa’s Great Green Wall gives Ireland an opportunity to establish a new beginning and demonstrate a new commitment to achieving promises made during the Paris Accord.”
Africa’s green wall, when completed, will span 13 countries. It will measure 8,000km long (4,970 miles) and 15km wide (nine miles).
The UN’s proposal would also involve schools, parishes and community groups in planting trees in Ireland, increasing biodiversity and contributing to atmospheric improvement.
Mr Mullan added: “We will be asking the Government to consider matching every tree we plant in Ireland with 5-10 along the Great Green Wall.”
The project takes its name from a 2015 papal encyclical by Pope Francis, Laudato Si’, on caring for the environment, and is intended to be a visible…
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