Stakeholders Call For Mass Tree Planting Campaign

Some stakeholders in the environment sector have called for mass tree planting campaign with a view to combating the ravaging effect of soot on the environment.
This was contained in a resolution at the end of the air quality monitoring training programme in Port Harcourt.
The programme was organised by the  Rivers Network of NGOs (RINNGOs) and the Centre for Development Support Initiative (CEDSI) under the Climate Action for Sustainable Environmental Protection (CASE) and sponsored by the British Council, the European Union and the Agents for Citizens Transformation.
The stakeholders also urged the various local government councils to install trackers in their various councils to monitor air quality in cities and major towns in Rivers State while government at all levels should provide a recycling plant to manage waste instead of burning them.
They also called for an assent to the Soot Bill recently signed by the Rivers State House of Assembly to effectively fight the soot menace.
The stakeholders called for massive youth advocacy to protect the environment while the youth should see themselves as agents to propagate clean air quality.
The resolution also commended the state Governor, ChiefNyesom Wike for the campaign to end the soot in the state,and called for the effort to be sustained in the state.
The stakeholders also commended the state for being the first in the country to domesticate the Climate Change Act in the country and called for environmental clubs in schools in the state.
Speaking with newsmen, the State Coordinator of  RINNGOs Dr.(Mrs) Mina Ogbanga said clean and quality air is the right of the citizens, adding that government should make effort to ensure the citizens get access to quality air.

By: John Bibor & Oribim Ibama