Environmental activist from Ghana sets world record after hugging over 1,100 trees in an hour

A 29-year-old environmental activist and forestry student from Ghana is making headlines after he set a new world record for hugging more than 1,100 trees in one hour.

The record-breaking feat took place in the Tuskegee National Forest, one of the four national forests in the state of Alabama, United States, the Guinness World Records (GWR) announced on Friday (Apr 26).

About the record

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Abubakar Tahiru took his love for trees to the next level after he rushed through the forest hugging a total of 1,123 trees in one hour, which according to the record-keeping organisation is an average of 19 trees per minute.

For this record, a hug was defined as “both arms wrapped around a tree in a close embrace,” said the GWR.

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The criteria for the record also included rules like no tree should be hugged more than once and any damage to the trees can result in disqualification.

Tahiru, according to the GWR, hugged one three for around three seconds and easily surpassed the minimum requirement of 700 to become the first holder of this record.

‘Incredibly rewarding’

Speaking about the record-breaking feat, the 29-year-old said that the hardest part of the record attempt was to quickly move between the trees while ensuring that each hug met the criteria.

He also said that the “repetitive hugging motion” was “quite tiring.”

“Achieving this world record feels incredibly rewarding,” said Tahiru, as quoted by the GWR. He added, “It’s a meaningful gesture to highlight the crucial role of trees in our ecosystem and the urgency of environmental conservation.”

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Tahiru grew up in a farming community in Tepa, Ghana, where he also developed a keen interest in nature and its conservation.

Tahiru moved to Alabama, last year after finishing his undergraduate degree specialising in forestry at one of Ghana’s top universities and is currently pursuing his master’s degree in the subject at Auburn University.

After he set the new world record, the 29-year-old also spoke about how important it is for him to inspire the youth in Ghana “especially those from less privileged communities like the one I grew up in,” and show them “that it’s possible to rise above challenges and make a significant impact.”

(With inputs from agencies)