Nsuta (Ash), July 22, GNA - The Ashanti Regional Directorate of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has distributed 3,000 tree seedlings to 12 basic schools in the Sekyere-Central District.

These included "teak", "cacia" and "militia" and would be planted in the schools' compound not only for decorative purposes but to serve as windbreak.

The supply of the seedlings coincided with the regional launch of the world environmental day celebration at Nsuta on Wednesday.

The theme for the celebration was "Many species; one nation, one future".

In attendance were environmentalists, heads of departments, chiefs, teachers, assembly members and school children.

Mr Kwame Omane-Poku, the Deputy Ashanti Regional EPA Director, said the agency would this year be focusing on tree planting to safeguard the environment.

He said the day was meant to create awareness and draw attention to the need for all to accept to share in the responsibility of saving the environment from destruction.

Mr Omane-Poku said it was important that conscious efforts were made to get the communities to change negative attitudes that were fuelling the degradation of the vegetative cover.

Mr Ebenezer Akuoko-Frimpong, the District Chief Executive (DCE), said there was the need for all to assist to protect the environment.

He called for support for efforts by the district assembly to reforest the area.

Mr Thomas Amoak Angoruk, the District Director of Education, urged the schools to do everything possible to nurture the trees and ensure their growth.