National Afforestation Day marked through different activities

National Afforestation Day on May 15 was marked through different activities and witnessing the participation of Senior Government and PFDJ officials, as well as invited guests.

Asmara, 16 May 2014 – National Afforestation Day on May 15 was marked through different activities and witnessing the participation of Senior Government and PFDJ officials, as well as invited guests.

In opening remarks at the ceremony conducted at Expo Grounds, Mr. Arefaine Berhe, Minister of Agriculture, pointed out the vitality of sustaining the annual afforestation as well as communal soil and water conservation activities vis-à-vis ensuring sustainability of forestry and wildlife. He further called for integrated efforts on the part of government bodies and communities in this regard.

The Minister went on to note the vitality of widespread introduction of the smokeless wood stove in connection with the challenges of fuel consumption and environmental issue.

Likewise, Mr. Abraha Garza, Managing director of the National Authority of Forestry and Wildlife, explained that ineffective utilization has been the major problem with conservation of trees, and that stepped-up efforts have been exerted by communities and the People’s Army to overcome such state of quandary.

Accordingly, more endeavors need to be put up towards meeting alternatives of energy supply.

Moreover, the participants of the ceremony exchanged views focusing on various important issues.

In closing remarks, Mr. Arefaine lauded the active role of women as regards introduction of the energy-conserving and smokeless wood stove, and called for further production of tree seedlings.

The ceremony witnessed plantation of tree seedlings at Expo Grounds, and institutions as well as individuals who played key role in the introduction of the smokeless wood stove received awards and certificates of merit. The Administration of the Southern region won the award thereof out of the rest.