Tongo (UE), Oct. 1, GNA - Mr Boniface Gambila, Upper East Regional Minister has called on Municipal and District Assemblies to adopt measures that would help rejuvenate the environment. He proposed that they should plant trees around all buildings and wastelands, and also enforce byelaws to check the spate of unauthorised structures and movement of stray animals.

"It is logical that we replenish the resources we exploit by embarking on afforestation, agro forestry and other scientific methods of farming for sustainable development, and that calls for all sectors to collaborate for the optimum use of all that we have at out disposal", he said.

Mr Gambila made the call when addressing a durbar of Traditional Leaders, Public Servants and the People of Tongo in the Talensi-Nabdam District on the occasion of the Upper East Regional World Environment Day. It was under theme: "Green Communities, healthy People". He explained that since the environment provides the lifespan system for all, it was imperative that human beings protect and manage it well by planting and nurturing trees, otherwise, desertification and deforestation would continue to weaken the chances of survival and sustainable development.

Mr Sebastan Bisnab, District Chief Executive (DCE) of Talensi-Nabdam, expressed concern at the spate of illegal and unregulated mining activities that were worsening the land degradation problem in the area.

He said a vast area of vegetation was cleared daily for the purpose of mining adding, "the situation has become very serious and dangerous with the ever increasing number of abandoned barrow-pits even around human settlements".

Mr Bisnab appealed to the Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency to collaborate and regulate mining activities so they doe not degrade the environment. Commenting on the need for peace in the area, the DCE, appealed to the people to control the traditional praise songs that were sometimes used to hurt others.

Mrs Zenabu Wasai-King, regional Director of EPA said bush fires, harsh climatic conditions, uncontrolled mining activities, bad farming practices, fuel wood extraction and high population growth were factors that led to land degradation in the Region.