KIREHE-National Tree Planting Campaign on Saturday

“Forests for sustainable Development” will be the theme under which 67,840,681 trees will be planted throughout the country beginning on November 19th toward the achievement of 30% of space covered by forests in 2020.

 According to the Minister of Natural Resources, government institutions and local bodies will participate in the tree planting campaign that begins on Saturday 19th in Kirehe District.

Hon. Minister Stanislas Kamanzi advised residents of the area to cultivate the habit of tree planting for the benefits of the people and environment.

He said Ministry will educate and sensitize people on mass planting of trees for sustainable development and protection of the environment, adding that the authority will provide enough seedlings to be shared to residents across the country.

Inreasing forest cover is a National Priority

"We are appealing to people to actively participate in the coming tree planting season and calling upon the Agriculture and Environment Departments in the area to mobilize all the communities for the sustenance of Agro forestry programme as an additional force in increasing Forest cover" he added.

Kirehe authorities said the community is ready for 2011 tree planting season.

Bemeriki Emmanuel in charge of forest Management in Kirehe District revealed that the District has mobilized people to make the district get a grand picture in forest cover and to protect environment.

He added that the District recognizes that the management, protection and restoration of the country’s ecosystems are everyone’s duty.

Kirehe District was reportedly said to have small areas covered by forests years ago.

Forest management authority said that through the use of associations and cooperatives among residents, the district is facing dramatic change in the increase of forest cover.

The government of Rwanda through the vision 2020 recognizes that the development of the forestry sector is a National priority. In this context the national forestry areas must be significantly increased and reach 30 % of the national territory by 2020 while the Agroforestry system must be increased and reach 85% of the cultivated space.

Hon. Minister of Natural Resources reminded that the 2011 tree planting season will follow land consolidation system to facilitate the management and protection of planted trees.

“In line with other changes in the concept of rural development, land consolidation will help in allocating space for forests and ensuring the implementation of all measures regarding the management and protection of ecosystem” Said Kamanzi.