Fran Brady, Quaker representative on the ECI committee shared a report of this inspiring event:
A reception to mark the launch of “Laudato Trees”, meaning Praise to the Trees, and entitled: “Desertification – Ireland’s Role in this Global Challenge” was held at Áras an Uachtaráin on Monday, 26 March, 2018. Three members of Eco-Congregation Ireland were among the large gathering of people from faith-based organisations who attended this inspiring event, which gave hope and encouragement to all present.
Inspired by Pope Francis’ environmental encyclical “Laudato Si” and by the African-led Green Wall project the SMA led “Laudato Tree” project aims to build support for climate action and tree planting, in Ireland and the Sahel, on the southern border of the Sahara Desert. The goal of the Great Green Wall project is to grow an 8,000 kilometre natural wall of trees, 15 kilometres wide, across the entire width of Africa. The wall of trees is expected to provide food, jobs and a future for millions of people who live in a region confronted by climate change.
Once completed it will be the largest living structure on Earth and a new Wonder of the World. It is taking root in Sahel, one of the poorest places on the planet, where millions of people are already facing the devastating impacts of climate change. Droughts, desertification, lack of food, conflicts over fewer natural resources, and mass migration are some of the consequences. Since the beginning of the Great Green Wall initiative in 2007, land fertility is improving, bringing better food security, sustainable jobs and stability to people’s lives. The Great Green Wall is a global symbol for humanity at this time of catastrophic environmental change. It proves that if we work with nature we can overcome adversity and build a better world for generations to come. Rural women work long hours with little security with often with the threat of losing their land overshadowing them. New land policies can help revive land degraded by desertification.
In Ireland Don Mullan was inspired to collaborate with the SMA to develop The “Laudato Tree” Project ©*. The project will encourage the planting of trees in Ireland and also along Africa’s Great Green Wall. It is part of the SMA commitment to the people of Africa, fighting Climate Breakdown and engaging in a positive and creative way to help heal the earth. Its aim is to help Make Africa Great Again, to get together to help and to represent solidarity. Africa will become the continent of the young and of hope rather than a source of threat or disaster. The SMA Thumb Print Project is a way of raising awareness in schools. SMA as well as the OLA sisters summons us all to solidarity. These are examples of the roles faith-based organisations are assuming to reverse the destruction of desertification and other negative impacts of climate change in areas dependent on rain-fed agriculture.
After an inspiring and informative speech by President Michael D Higgins Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), Monique Barbut also spoke to the gathering and the final speaker was Michael McCabe, SMA. It is the hope that Ireland will play a leading in Europe to help Africa. This new missionary project is a positive story in the middle of pessimism.
The above photo is by Maxwell Photography.
Sr Catherine Brennan with Prof John Sweeney
Sr Catherine Brennan and Fran Brady with parishioners from Shankill