PRIME MINISTER Pierre Damien Habumuremyi has urged local leaders to engage residents in the protection of newly planted trees.The Premier was speaking on Saturday in Muhanga District, Southern Province, during the monthly community work, Umuganda, in which he launched this year’s afforestation campaign.During the occasion, hundreds of local residents and government officials planted trees in the rural Matyazo cell of Mushishiro Sector. Over 11,000 trees were planted on a consolidated 15 hectare hill in Gitwa village, on the banks of Nyabarongo River.Speaking after the exercise, Habumuremyi cautioned against what he called lack of commitment from local leaders and residents to protect newly planted trees.He said reports reaching his office indicate that only 75 per cent of newly planted trees across the country mature, a figure he said is worrying."A lot of money is injected in the tree planting exercise annually but it seems a lot still needs to be done to ensure that all planted trees grow,” Habumuremyi said.He disclosed that at least Rwf5 billion is injected in tree planting annually.The Premier urged grassroot leaders to ensure that all newly planted trees mature."Involving residents in the protection of the trees and making sure that they remain committed to environmental protection should be encouraged,” the Premier said.He said the government had devised means aimed at protecting the environment and warned of stringent measures against those who continue to destroy trees."These trees belong to the community. It is a public property that everyone should endeavour to protect,” the Premier told residents, adding that the protection of trees and forests should be everyone’s commitment. "I believe everyone knows the role of trees in our lives. Safeguarding them will benefit society and posterity,” he said.Every year, Rwanda marks the Tree Planting Day and dedicates it to activities related to tree-planting.The  Day is aimed at raising awareness on the importance of increasing forest cover.This year, the Day is being marked for the 38th time and the tree planting campaign is being conducted under the theme: "Forest restoration for sustainable productive ecosystems.”Officials believe the theme encourages more effort in planting trees and helps communities to understand and recognise the role played by forests in the restoration of ecosystems.This year, the government targets to plant over 32 million trees on an estimated 15,000 hectares across the country as part of its efforts to increase areas covered by forests, according to officials.