Nkoranza (B/A), May 14, GNA - Two non-governmental organisations in the Brong Ahafo have jointly launched a three-year environmental development programme aimed at protecting the environment from destruction through human activities at Nkoranza.

The NGOs are Farmers' Supportive Services and Community Utilities (FASU), based in Wenchi and Sunyani-based Concern Universal. The programme, known as the Rural Environmental Empowerment Project (REEP), is funded by the European Union.

A one-day workshop was held on Thursday to educate about 45 participants and stakeholders selected from communities in Nkoranza District on the objectives of the project.

Mr James Ohemeng, Project Coordinator of FASU, called on the district assembly to allocate part of its share of the common fund for the management of the environment.

He said within the three-year period of the project some programmes would be put in place to enable the people to save the environment from degradation.

Mr Ohemeng said farmers would be encouraged to adhere to modern farming practices such as establishing agro-forestry systems and to avoid shifting cultivation practices that often caused bushfires. "Charcoal burners will be encouraged to establish wood lots towards the sustainability of their industry and to stop indiscriminate tree felling." The project would train and support fire volunteers in combating bushfires and protecting the environment against human activities that degraded the environment.

Mr Ohemeng said teachers would be encouraged to form Evergreen Clubs in schools and a competition organised to award schools that will be identified as environmentally friendly. Wenchi, Kintampo, Berekum, Jaman and Nkoranza districts have been included in the project.

Mr Faako Anacletus Dorzie, the Nkoranza District Co-ordinating Director, commended the European Union for supporting the programme. Problems facing the environment in Nkoranza District include bushfires, charcoal burning, indiscriminate tree felling, sand winning, pollution of rivers indiscriminate waste disposal, soil erosion and over grazing by cattle owned by alien Fulani cattle herdsmen.