The Prime Minister was, at the weekend, in Kirehe District where he launched the National Tree Planting campaign. The exercise is going to be implemented countrywide.

The premier said that government was committed to planting trees and protecting forests in the country.

It is in the interest of all Rwandans that the country increases its forest cover.

However, planting trees is one thing and owning the activity is another.
 
The public needs to make environmental conservation a priority. Local leaders should champion environmental preservation and encourage the planting of more trees to save the country from desertification and its effects.

Some parts of the country have recently been affected by landslides that led to loss of lives and destruction of property.

Heavy rains can be blamed but deforestation plays a big role as bear hills are prone to landslides.

Forests contribute to climate change mitigation through carbon appropriation and substitution.

The role of local leaders is pivotal in the management of planted trees, and the implementation of the laws that provide for forest conservation.

By conserving forests and planting more trees, green house gas emission will be limited.

Citizens at all levels should be sensitised on climate change mitigation, and made aware of the adaptation programmes put in place by the government, as well as the dangers of forest degradation.

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