Individuals who illegally cut down trees and tried to infiltrate into Asmara apprehended

Reckless individuals who cut down mushrooming trees and tried to infiltrate into Asmara through employing various guises have been apprehended, according to Capt. Tsehaye Tekle, head of forestry and wildlife control department in the Central region.

Asmara, 15 March 2011 – Reckless individuals who cut down mushrooming trees and tried to infiltrate into Asmara through employing various guises have been apprehended, according to Capt. Tsehaye Tekle, head of forestry and wildlife control department in the Central region.

He indicated that the individuals made futile attempts to smuggle the woods through two different types of vehicles using various tactics, and they were subsequently apprehended in Adi-Guaedad thanks to the collaboration of the public.

Capt. Tsehaye further stated that the criminals would face legal penalty. He pointed out that the department is working tirelessly in preventing the cutting down of trees, besides undertaking awareness raising campaign to farmers in a bid to help back up the endeavors.

Meanwhile, the inhabitants of Adi-Hadid apprehended irresponsible individuals while trying to illegally cut down 1,000 trees around Mai-Seraw and Hadish Adi-Gibunei, and were subsequently made to justice.

Although the law pertaining to prevention of deforestation that was adopted last year in the Southern region is bringing about positive change, still additional campaign is needed to effectively combat the cutting down of trees, stated Capt. Daniel Kinfe, head of forestry and wildlife resource control department in the Southern region.

He noted that such incident is declining in most parts of the region as a result of the implementation of the pertinent law and raising public awareness. However, the cutting down of trees is being resorted to in some areas due to negligence, Capt. Daniel added.