Minister of Natural resources Stanislas Kamanzi has urged district officials to explore the potential of Rwanda’s reserve forces by employing them in activities related to the planting programs and management of existing forests.
The remarks were made during a meeting with all districts officials in charge of follow ups on afforestation and reforestation programs especially the Southern Province.
“These people have shown that they are able to plant the surface that they can be able to manage and ensure the total growth of planted trees,” Kamanzi explained.
He added that apart from being disciplined during the work, the money that they consume is less than those ones paid to contractors if they were to plant trees on specific area.
Commenting on agro forestry species, Kamanzi said that “not only being source of food but also these species contribute to soil fertility and curbing soil erosion.”
The Ministry of Natural resources and all stakeholders aims to cover 19,500 ha for agroforestry species and plantation blocs.
The principle of consolidated aforestation will be upheld to optimize economic and ecological benefits of the forests.
Minister Kamanzi revealed that current status of forest cover stands at 23,7% of the total surface of the country.
Among the total coverage include agro forestry species which occupy about 10 % of the existing coverage.
Vice Mayors in charge of economics in Southern province lamented the budget constraints for afforestation programs, However the Governor of the southern Alphonse Munyantwali said that as soon Districts will provide their afforestations action plans.
Vice Mayoyors concluded that by 15th December, 2012, all districts will have to submit their action plans for afforestation and reforestation programs for the season 2012/213.
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