THE Minister of Forestry and Mines, Christophe Bazivamo, has called on district Forestry Officers to work at strengthening forestry conservation programmes.

He made the call while addressing district officers, officials from Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) and the National Forestry Authority (NAFA) during a one-day workshop on carbon market management

"I advise you as individuals in charge of protecting and promoting forests and the environment in districts to regularly evaluate your activities as regards to forestry conservation because we still have a long way to go” Bazivamo said.

The minister requested them to mobilize and sensitize all residents to avoid charcoal burning and instead use energy saving stoves locally known as Rondereza for cooking, and to plant more trees alongside roads, both in rural and urban areas, saying that it would fight deforestation in the region.

He also briefed participants on how reduced emissions from deforestation, degradation and forestry management can generate extra revenues in forestry projects in the country for the government and other concerned private sector companies.

Speaking to The New Times shortly after the workshop, Bazivamo revealed that this year his ministry would distribute more trees for planting in all sectors.

Ends