Kirehe - The government yesterday launched a one-month countrywide campaign to encourage environmental protection using biogas, in Mushikiri Sector of Kirehe District,. Emma Francoise Isumbingabo, the Minister of State in charge of Water and Energy in the Ministry of Infrastructure, who presided over the function, said biogas was an alternative economical and environmentally-friendly source of energy.She noted that there was sufficient manure and waste for biogas production."We believe that adopting biogas can tremendously reduce household expenses, secure sustainable livelihoods and at the same time protect the environment,” she said. "We want no more smoke from wood or charcoal...and biogas systems produce excellent fertilizers for use on the farm”.The Mayor of Kirehe District, Protais Murayire, said biogas was the only solution to help check the destruction of forests most people use as a source of fuel and livelihood."Biogas is pocket friendly to poor people who use wood and kerosene fuels. Above all, biogas will prevent the destruction of forests from the excessive use of wood and charcoal.Alex Kanamugire, a local resident, however, said that the use of biogas needed more sensitization among the population.