The forestry department has urged Kenyans to plant as many trees as possible during this long rain season for economic purposes as well as help reduce climatic changes caused by industrial pollution.
Speaking at Mukhalanya primary school in Matete Sub County during the official launch of the tree planting program in schools, the Western region Forest Conservation Committee chairman Dr. Jaluo Murunga stressed the need to increase the country’s land cover under trees.
He advised parents and teachers to continuously educate their children on the importance of conserving and planting trees, warning that ten percent forest cover remains in limbo because children have not been taught on how to use trees without destroying the natural environment.
Dr. Jaluo called on the communities in Western Region to ensure children are tutored on the importance of planting trees in their homes and also how to nature those trees to sustain human life and general wildlife.
“As a committee we understand the need of having schools with the mission of planting and nurturing trees in our communities,” said Dr. Jaluo.
He maintained that Western Region Forest Committee has decided to use schools as a key component in the societies in matters of planting and campaigning for ten percent forest cover.
“For instance we teach them that if you cut a tree you’ll pay fees, if you cut a tree you’ll buy food, if you cut a tree you’ll get firewood but all these should be done with a good plan and if you cut remember to plant more,” Murunga added.
He revealed that students are good ambassadors of planting trees in schools and their homes.
“With proper tree education students will bring major protection of our environment both in schools and our homes,” said Dr. Jaluo.
He said they were using children especially in Grade 3 and taught them on how to take care of trees at schools and also at home.
“We are not saying we should not cut trees but should be done with a plan to ensure sustainability,” emphasized Dr. Jaluo.
He called on the people from Western region to aggressively plant trees to get fresh air and habitat for the wild life, conducive environment.
The chairman led parents, teachers and pupils to plant more three hundred trees at Mukhalanya Primary School with the head teacher Mr. Stephen Wesonga promising to take care of the planted trees.
Also present during the exercise was Western Region Deputy Director of Conservancy Mr. Martin Wandabwa among other government administrators.
