An environmental advocate and forestry student from Ghana, Abubakar Tahiru, has set a remarkable new world record by hugging the most trees in one hour. Born and raised in a farming community in Tepa, Ghana, Abubakar's passion for nature conservation blossomed early on. Following his undergraduate studies in forestry at a prestigious university in Ghana, he pursued his master's degree in forestry at Auburn University in Alabama, USA.
The record-breaking attempt took place in Tuskegee National Forest, Alabama, known for its abundant timber resources. Abubakar embraced a total of 1,123 trees within the hour, averaging nearly 19 hugs per minute. Each hug required both arms wrapped around a tree without causing any harm, with no tree hugged more than once.
Abubakar shared that the swiftness required to move between trees while maintaining hug quality was challenging, compounded by the physical strain of repetitive motions. Additionally, observing Ramadan meant abstaining from water during the attempt, adding another layer of difficulty. Nonetheless, this limitation also eliminated the need for water breaks, enabling him to sustain the effort continuously.
Exceeding the minimum requirement of 700 hugs, Abubakar became the inaugural holder of this record, a feat he finds deeply fulfilling. His achievement underscores the vital role of trees in the ecosystem and emphasizes the pressing need for environmental conservation.
Looking ahead, Abubakar aims to further engage in forestry by advocating for sustainable practices and collaborating with environmental organizations on impactful projects.
