Tamale, July 20, GNA - Naa Bob Logga, President of the National Forest Forum, has attributed the wanton depletion of the forest through chainsaw operations in the northern sector to the activities of the Fulani herdsmen in the area.

"The Fulani herdsmen are the ones who know where all the big trees for lumber are and they lead the chainsaw operators to cut such trees without paying anything to landowners", he said. Naa Logga said this at a workshop on the International Forest Instrument that is aimed at promoting good environmental practices. The instrument is to strengthen political commitment and actions at all levels for sustainable forest management to enhance the contribution of forest to the development of the nation.

Some 60 participants from Upper East, Upper West and Northern regions attended the one-day forum.

Naa Logga said the northern savannah woodland forests play an important role in stopping the desert from moving southwards and that the Volta Basin also needed much protection to ensure that the Volta River does not overflow its banks.

Dr Atse Yapi, Food and Agriculture Organization representative, stressed the importance of protecting the forest and gave the assurance that FAO would continue to give assistance and support to protect the industry.

Mr. David Guba Kpelle, Notional Project Coordinator, said charcoal burning, chainsaw operations and activities of Fulani herdsmen were some negative actions on the environment and stressed the need for affirmative measures to address the problem.