Upper East Communities involved in enhancing forest reserves

Bolgatanga, July 14, GNA - Nine communities in the Upper East Region have nursed 800,000 tree seedlings to be transplanted in depleted forest reserves in the area, Mr Emmanuel G. Dogbey, Regional Manager, Forestry Commission has said.

Mr Dogbey, who was speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Bolgatanga on Monday said the seedlings would be transplanted on an area of 600 hectares, being this year's target for the region under the national plantation development programme.

The tree species include mahogany, eucalyptus, ceiba, and amliana. He said the Forestry Commission contracted the communities, which are near the forest reserves to nurse the tree seedlings under their supervision after which the seedlings are bought for 300 cedis each by the Forestry Commission and then transplanted by the communities. He explained that the aim of the programme was not only to improve forest reserves but also to provide income for the people during the dry seasons.

"The people are also part owners of the forest and are aware that they are entitled to 40 per cent of the proceeds in future, because they protect the trees from fire and browsing animals," he indicated. Mr Dogbey said the survival rate of the tree species was between 40 and 50 percent, the main problems being browsing animals, fire and draught.

He said 420 hectares out of a target of 500 hectares for last year was planted, adding that the trees were faring well in spite of the problems.