The Ghana Forestry Commission in the Anloga district of the Volta region has called on communities to embrace and prioritise tree planting to protect the environment.
The Commission has stated that tree planting was considered a vital activity that provides numerous benefits to the environment, wildlife and human beings for successful and improved life.
Mr Hope Avuletey, Assistant Manager of Forestry Commission at Anloga, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, emphasised that tree planting helped to preserve natural heritage sites and protect cultural and historical significance.
“We must not always wait or limit tree planting to only national tree planting day for us to plant trees, it is our responsibility to protect the environment and safeguard our safety as well,” he said.
He stressed that it was not only beneficial for the environment, but also essential for human safety and served as windbreaks, flood control, soil erosion control and even helped in noise reduction.
Mr Avuletey said that trees absorb carbon dioxide content in the atmosphere and help in mitigating climate change hazards as they regulate water cycles and reduce risk of flooding and drought.
He encouraged communities to take responsibility of protecting the environment and plant trees to safeguard their safety,” since the activity can bring communities together and promote social cohesion and environmental stewardship.”
“You can see the weather is dry within the southern belt this time around, and if we were to plant more trees and protect those, we planted last year, we would have better climate condition now.”
Mr Avuletey urged the public to be watchful and protect the environment against unnecessary bushfires, cutting of trees for firewood and charcoal, overgrazing by animals among others and report any culprits to the appropriate authorities for punishment.
He lamented about how many of trees planted by the commission in various communities last year were left to the mercy of the weather unprotected and were destroyed by animals, wind, fire and human activities and called for proper protection to safeguard trees.
He said by embracing tree planting, communities can contribute to a healthier environment, support biodiversity, and promote sustainable development and promoting sustainable agriculture.
He also advised the public to also avoid improper waste disposal including littering, dumping, and inadequate waste treatment that could pollute the environment and harm human health.
He said Ghana Forestry Commission remains committed to promoting sustainable forest management and environmental conservation and encourages all stakeholders to join efforts to protect the environment.
By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu, GNA
