In a remarkable display of dedication to environmental activism, Ugandan activist Faith Patricia Ariokot has broken the Guinness world record for the longest time spent hugging a tree. On January 16, the 29-year-old wrapped her arms around a tree trunk and held on for an astonishing 16 hours and 6 seconds, setting a new benchmark for tree-hugging endurance.
Ariokot’s record-setting endeavor was not without its challenges. It marked her third attempt within a month, as technical issues and adverse weather conditions thwarted her previous efforts. Despite enduring physical discomfort, including sore feet and abrasions from the tree’s rough surface, Ariokot remained steadfast in her commitment to the cause.
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For Ariokot, the selection of the tree to embrace for the record attempt was a deeply personal affair. Describing the experience, she likened it to “picking a bridal dress,” emphasizing that “the tree chose me, and it was like love at first sight.”
The overarching goal of Ariokot’s tree-hugging marathon was to raise awareness about the importance of tree planting and the imperative of safeguarding Earth’s natural resources. Her record-breaking feat serves as a poignant reminder of humanity’s responsibility to protect the environment for future generations.
Notably, Ariokot’s achievement was not classified as a marathon event, as it fell short of the 24-hour threshold. Throughout the duration of the attempt, she was required to maintain continuous contact with the tree, without any breaks or reprieves.
Reflecting on her accomplishment, Ariokot articulated her aspiration to inspire others to take action in support of environmental conservation. “I want to talk about love. Love for the planet. Love for the earth. Love for each other,” she remarked, underscoring the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world.
