In a bid to curb desert encroachment and land degradation, Sokoto State Government has banned the practice of felling trees which some use as firewood for domestic purposes.
Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal stated this Monday, at the flag-off of this year’s tree planting campaign which held at Kawadata, Goronyo LGA of the state.
According to him, to mitigate the effect of the new policy on rural dwellers, government will provide modern stoves while encouraging residents to explore other sources of energy like coal.
Tambuwal also urged residents to cultivate planting of cash trees like gum Arabic and date palm which he said will not only help in preserving the environment, but will alleviate poverty and tackle unemployment.
The Governor said growing of trees is both an environmental and spiritual obligation, adding that Islam encourages planting of trees for the benefit of communities.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Environment, Garba Muhammed Sarkin-Kudu said for this year, a two kilometre shelter-belt will be established in the three senatorial zones of the state.
He said in addition, the government’s house to house tree planting campaign has been carried in the 400 housing estates across the state to provide shelter and serve as windbreak.
The theme for this year’s campaign is sustainable ecosystem restoration.
