An NGO, Ashan Tree, has launched a project to plant 85,000 trees along rivers and streams running through the Atwima-Kwanwoma District.
This is being done in partnership with some Germans and the Forest Service Division (FSD) of the Forestry Commission.
The project, which has been named “River Run Indigenous Plantation (RRITP) aims at fighting climate change to improve the livelihoods of people in the area.
Launching it at a ceremony at Atwima, Nana Agyei Antwi Brempong II, Atwimahene and Founder of the NGO, said the FSD was providing technical support by way of the selection of tree species for exercise.
Agriculture in the district, he noted, was under severe threat from extreme weather conditions – erratic and prolonged periods of low rainfall.
He added that, if this was allowed to continue it would adversely affect food production.
There was therefore a need for all to combine their efforts to tackle climate change by accepting not only to plant but to protect trees.
Nana Brempong said “trees significantly contribute to pest control, nitrogen fixation, soil stability and microclimate modification”.
Added to that, was the absorption of the harmful effects of carbon from the atmosphere and their use for medicinal purposes.
He encouraged every household to accept to plant at least five trees in front of their houses.
Separately, Nana Brempong has inaugurated the “Murnau House” in the community that is going to serve as a centre excellence for research and training in organic agriculture.
