Methodist students seated to observe WWD
Reforestation is the natural or intentional restocking of existing forests and woodlands (forestation) that have been depleted, usually through deforestation. Increase in population and human settlement also contributes to depletion of land, aquifers, lakes and other sources.
Reforestation can be used to rectify or improve the quality of human life by soaking up pollution and dust from the air, rebuild natural habitats and ecosystems, mitigate global warming since forests facilitate biosequestration of atmospheric carbon dioxide
To achieve this, C.E.O of Green Coast Group & Consult (G.C.G.C), Mr. Kwaku Boateng has encouraged planting of trees in neighborhoods and communities. He described it as one of the best things one can do for a local environment or country as a whole.
He disclosed this on Thursday when he delivered a speech at the observation of World Water Day in New Somanya of the Yilo Krobo municipality.
Mr. Boateng used the occasion to launch a ‘One House, One Coconut’ project proposed by Drink Safe Water Ghana.
According to Chief Patron of the group, Dr. Paul Adjei Onyina, Senior lecturer of Pentecost University College, take off of project will provide relief for many homes and individuals in the next 3years.
Participants included Health Top Up Services, importers of Aquatabs water purification tablets, Yilo Krobo municipal assembly, office of the deputy eastern regional minister, Hon. Joseph Tetteh, Municipal Council of Churches and some water producers in Yilo and Lower Manya Krobo municipalities.
Executive Coordinator of DSWG, Mr. Krobea Asante described the presence of a geriatric doctor from Ridge hospital, Dr. Edmund Danso as beneficial stating that, the aged needed to be cautious of their water and environment.
According to Mr. Kwaku Boateng, apart from the fact that trees produce oxygen, they remove carbon –dioxide and other contaminants from the air, trees have social, economic and environmental benefits.
Environmental Benefits:
Mr. Boateng reiterated that, trees are like the lungs of the planet. They breathe in carbon -dioxide and breathe out oxygen. He added that they provide habitat for wildlife emphasizing that carbon dioxide is a major contributing factor to the Green House Effect, thus depletion of the ozone layer.
Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and give out oxygen which is the breath of life for mankind.
They help reduce ozone levels which is inimical to human health in urban areas, and help reduce urban runoff as well as erosion by storing water and breaking the force of rain as it falls.
“Trees absorb sand and reduce noise pollution” he continued.
Social and Economic Importance of Trees.
In a development, the actor in the coconut business enumerated a number of benefits, he indicated that being around trees makes one feel good, can one imagine a community without trees?
The addition of trees to a neighborhood or a business district can greatly improve the mental or physical health of residents and workers. Example, children with learning disorders can benefit from trees and other greenery.
Houses with trees are also more attractive to visitors, potential buyers and neighbors. As we celebrate world water day, I entreat all of us to develop the habit of tree planting in our homes, schools, churches, hospitals and community at large.
“Let us join hands in supporting the greening agenda, thank you and may God bless our homeland Ghana”.
To this end, Mr. Boateng indulged the consent of the deputy regional minister, Mr. Joseph Tetteh, and prospective dignitaries, traditional chiefs and MCE, Mr. Ebenezer Tetteh Kupualor to declare that, the one house – one coconut (1H -1C) project is duly launched in Ghana and expected to begin in Yilo Krobo municipality.
He said, lack of economic trees in some parts of the country does not only affect the air we breathe, but also reason for change in rainfall pattern.
Mr. Boateng mentioned that, due to unsupervised lumbering activities, various species of trees that used to serve as windbreak have today been felled and used for either furniture or exported.
In rural communities where there are enough natural forest reserves and trees, buildings and other structures are hardly affected by windstorm or rainstorm. Houses with economic trees like mango, guava, pear and oranges are bound to have bear fruits for family and friends.
In most cases, home grown and economic trees like coconut cocos nucifera provide additional income to relief to parents in terms of payment of children’s school fees, utility bills, funeral donations and others.
“Long live Ghana, Long live us all, once again, I wish you a happy world water day and encourage you to plant a tree today”, he ended.
