The reigning Miss Kigali, Cynthia Akazuba yesterday urged the youth to plant more trees as a means of conserving Rwanda’s environment.

While participating in the tree planting week that started Monday, November 24, ending today, the beauty queen, accompanied by children from the Nkundabana Orphanage Home in Gaculiro planted 2000 trees in Kinyinya, a Kigali suburb.

"Environment conservation is in line with our government’s development policies. It is with this spirit therefore, that I urge my fellow youth to protect their environment with dedication,” she said.

Akazuba made these remarks at a time when the government is encouraging Rwandans to plant more trees as a means of overcoming soil erosion and boosting production of wood fuel.

It is estimated that Rwanda loses billions of tonnes of soil due to soil erosion, which is  negatively affecting food production in the country.

Jonas Shema, Kinyinya’s Executive Secretary added that through tree planting, Rwandans are able to create shades that bring about cool breezes and most importantly, increase the rate at which they receive rainfall.

According to Shema, this year’s countrywide tree planting exercise officially began in Kinyinya. Representatives from different government and private organisations including the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Defence and Zigama CSS among others participated in the exercise.

"This week has been specifically set aside for tree planting and Kinyinya alone is expected to plant over 5000 trees. So far, a good number has been planted on Kame hill,” he said with a smile.

Jason Rugero, the Director of the orphanage school also urged parents to teach their children on the benefits of conserving the environment.

"I advise you children to always go back and look after the trees that you have just planted so that in future everyone can benefit from these trees,” he stressed.

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