C.  Environmental Conservation

i.  Community tree nurseries

Asewase, Apromase, Besease, Nobewam, Ofoase and Domiabra will be assisted to establish community tree nurseries to supply free seedlings to farmers for alley cropping, tree planting around water bodies and in communities, and revamping the depleted forests.

ii.  Environmental awareness creation

In 20 communities in Ejisu Juaben District, seminars will be run on the methods and importance of farming with trees, and the need to preserve their forests and maintain their water bodies and wetlands.

Promoting safer livelihood for all animals

iii.  Tree planting around water bodies

In collaboration with the forestry department of the district, the institute will conduct tree-planting exercises around rivers Samae, Oda, Abopo and Subin in the Ejisu Juaben District. The institute plans to cover 2 kilometres of each of these rivers before the close of the year.

iv.  Tree planting exercises around ten communities

In the participatory village development programme, one of the problems ascertained included seasonal 'de-roofing' of people's houses during the rainy seasons making people homeless. Sometimes roofs of schools are also removed. The institute plans to plant trees in 10 of these communities this year. the trees to be planted include citrus and other fruit trees, and leucena, that can provide fruits food security and serve as food for livestock and provide fuel wood.

v.  Central community tree nursery

The institute is establishing a central tree nursery to supply free tree seedlings to communities and farmer groups who are interested in the alley cropping. It is hoped that by September 2003, some 5000 tree seedlings will be ready for distribution.

vi.  Bush fire campaigns

The institute will include campaigns against bush fires in all of our rural development programmes.