Fodome (V/R), Jun 11, GNA – The Fodome Traditional Area in the Hohoe Municipality has launched a “Green Fodome Project” in line with Sustainable Development Goal 13 on Climate Action.
The sustainable development goal 13 enjoins the world to plant trees to increase the resilience of the ecosystem and help minimise climate change footprints.
The project was initiated by Togbega Gbedegbleme Akpatsa II, the Paramount Chief of the Area, and intended to see the people of the Area plant 200,000 trees over the next three years.
Togbe Zeh II, Dufia of Fodome Tormegbe, in a speech during the project launch in Fodome, and also to observe this year’s Green Ghana Day, noted that the people of Fodome would in 2022 plant 50,000 trees along major roads, around designated facilities, in-town roads and around River Nubui.
“We would develop designated sites for tourists, visitors and passengers passing, to plant their trees in a collaborative effort. Through this, we hope to contribute not only to the Global Goals but also improve the aesthetics around our communities, slow the pace of erosion and preserve the natural vegetation cover.”
He noted that the youth were supportive of this initiative and continued to support each step of the way.
Togbe Zeh said the Project would be successful, when the community worked together, eschew complacency, petty gossips, laziness and mobilise the required human and financial resources.
“It would be successful when we adopt good attitudes towards the environment. In this regard, I wish to throw a challenge to all Fodome, to, for once, not engage in the rampant, uncontrolled and perennial bushfires that engulf us during the dry season.”
He said if bushfires were controlled, it would contribute immensely to protecting the environment and revealed that the youth would be on the lookout for people who engaged in such acts and those caught would be dealt with severely in accordance with the laws without fear or favour.
Mr Annobil Newton, the District Manager, Forestry Commission, said there was the need to promote tree planting to curtail the effects of climate change.
He said over seven million trees were planted countrywide last year.
Mr Annobil mentioned the restoration of the environment and better agricultural yield, carbon sequestration and emission reduction, and clean air provision as some of the importance of planting trees.
Others are reduction in illness, protection of river bodies, curb in weather extremities and natural coolant and elimination of erosion and flooding.
“There is no doubt Greening Ghana can correct these issues because I believe when each one of us plant a tree or establishes a plantation, we will allow any illegal activity such as logging, chain saw operations or bush fires in the plantation or farm.”
The launch was attended by Chiefs and queenmothers, school children and teachers and community members.
GNA