Keren sub-zone: Call made for increased community participation in soil and water conservation

The Administration of Keren sub-zone called on the local inhabitants to enhance participation in soil and water conservation during an assessment meeting conducted in Keren city. Keren, 7 June, 2012 – The Administration of Keren sub-zone called on the local inhabitants to enhance participation in soil and water conservation during an assessment meeting conducted in Keren city.

The meeting underscored that considerable accomplishments have been made as regards soil and water conservation and preservation of natural vegetation in the area, and that integrated endeavors are required on the part of government bodies and national associations for the success of the program.

Stating that the landformation in the vicinity areas is mostly water scarce and prone to erosion, Mr. Tekie Keleta, the Mayor of Keren city, indicated that the inhabitants should shoulder the fulfillment of afforestation tasks in the area, besides the desired initiatives as regards pursuing establishment of enclosures and joint ventures.

The participants of the meeting conducted extensive discussion and put forth views as regards identifying the causes of deforestation in the area, widespread introduction of the energy-saving stove, Adhanet, conducting seminars to raise community awareness in forestry, establishment of green clubs in all schools and carrying out sustainable soil and water conservation activities. They also called on families, schools and religious institutions in the locality to ensure increased efforts in such a task.

Mr. Bekuretsion Habtemichael, head of the Education Ministry’s branch in Anseba region, expressed conviction that the pertinent bodies should work in cooperation to nurture the task of environmental conservation as a norm in the minds of the local inhabitants.