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World Environment Day: GIFSEP launches gardening, tree planting initiative for PWDs – EnviroNews
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The Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), a non-profit organisation, on Friday, June 19, 2026, launched an urban gardening and tree planting initiative for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs)in Nasarawa State.
Dr Michael David, the Executive Director of GIFSEP, made this known at an event to commemorate the 2026 World Environment Day (WED) and tree planting in Shabu Development Area, Lafia, Nasarawa State.
David said that the initiative was implemented with the support of the Embassy of France in Nigeria, which is also a support for GIFSEP’s #Food4PWDs Campaign.
“GIFSEP’s #Food4PWDs Campaign seeks to strengthen food security, improve livelihoods, and build climate resilience among PWDs who are among the most vulnerable groups due to the impacts of climate change.
“Climate change, land degradation, and rising food prices are disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, especially PWDs who are often excluded from climate adaptation and livelihood interventions.
“At GIFSEP, we believe that climate justice must be inclusive and that no one should be left behind in the transition towards a sustainable future.
“Through this project, participating PWDs will receive Urban Garden Starter Kits comprising vegetable seeds and seedlings, organic manure, watering cans, hand tools, and empty sacks for sack farming.”
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He added that these kits would enable beneficiaries to establish home gardens and produce nutritious vegetables within limited spaces, to enhance household food security and nutrition.
“In addition, fruit tree seedlings will be distributed and planted, as part of efforts to restore degraded lands, promote agroforestry, and strengthen the climate resilience of beneficiaries and their communities.
“These economic trees will provide environmental benefits while serving as long-term sources of food and income.
“World Environment Day is a reminder that environmental sustainability and social inclusion must go hand in hand.”
The executive director worried that PWDs are often the most affected by climate change, yet they are among the least supported.
“Through this initiative, we are not merely distributing seeds and tree seedlings; we are planting hope, promoting dignity, and building resilience.
David retriated that food security is climate security, and climate action must leave no one behind.
“GIFSEP expresses its profound appreciation to the Embassy of France in Nigeria for its support and commitment to promoting inclusive climate action and sustainable development.
“This partnership demonstrates the importance of collaborative efforts in empowering vulnerable communities and advancing environmental stewardship.
David called on governments, development partners, civil society organisations, and private sectors to invest more in community-led, inclusive, and nature-based solutions.
He stated that as Nigeria grapples with climate change, food insecurity, and land degradation, GIFSEP assures support to vulnerable populations and protection of the ecosystems as its mandate.
“Together, we can build resilient communities, restore degraded landscapes, and ensure that every Nigerian, has the opportunity to live with dignity and thrive in a changing climate,” he said.
By Abigael Joshua
