Interfaith Power & Light works on the front lines of climate change in the developing world through our Carbon Covenant program. Redgie Collins visited with Charles Agboklu this week to talk about the Evangelical Presbyterian Church’s efforts, and he sends this report:
The Evangelical Presbyterian Church’s (EPC) headquarters is located in the tropical and mountainous Volta region of Ghana. Here they have their central offices, several churches, and parochial schools spanning the middle to senior high school education level.
Charles Agboklu — seen here with a teak seedling — heads the EPC’s climate change awareness and afforestation program, and has been working with Interfaith Power & Light and our Carbon Covenant program. Because of IPL’s support, Charles and the EPC have planted more than 26,000 seedlings in 2012! These seedlings range from hardwood varieties like teak, mahogany, and Afram to the faster-growing Acacia and Moranga trees.
What makes Charles’ contribution to Carbon Covenant so important is his commitment to not only planting trees, but educating Ghanaians on the dangers of climate change and deforestation. The EPC also works with schools in planting seedlings and encouraging the formation of “eco-clubs.” These clubs not only care for the seedlings, but learn why it is important for Ghana to understand and address the dangers of deforestation.
As the EPC and Ghana prepare for the dry season, Charles is taking the necessary steps to ensure that his projects will survive the six months where rain will be scarce. The preparations includes cutting fire-belts for current seedlings, ensuring that saplings will have access to water, and scouting new areas to expand their tree-planting operations.
This is a crucial time for the projects, for smaller saplings need more attention and care than the mature trees. With the help of IPL and funding for the Carbon Covenant project, we can ensure that Charles and the EPC will continue the important work of reforestation in this highly logged area of West Africa.
Consider honoring friends and family this holiday season with Gifts of Life that will help Carbon Covenant continue this work! Thank you for your support.
