Gov't steps up strategies against land degradation

Minister Pierre Hele defended the FCFA 7.161 billion envelop given him on Sunday November 30, 2014. Natural and human activities are increasingly depleting the ozone layer with diverse consequences on man and animals hence the Ministry of Environment, Nature Protection and Sustainable Development is planning to step up combat strategies in 2015.

With a budget of FCF 7.161 billion for the coming fiscal year, up by FCFA 700 million from that of 2014, stakeholders say rolling back land degradation and promoting the adaptation to the effects of climate change will be some of the ministry’s priorities for 2015.

Talking to the press after defending the budget before the Budget and Finance Committee of the National Assembly on Sunday November 30, Minister Pierre Hele said this will be done as the continuation of efforts to restore degraded ecosystems within the framework of the “Operation Green Sahel.” This, he noted, comprises developing about 2,000 hectares of land in the northern part of the country.

The Minister added that harmonising activities related to various conventions in the country is geared towards the protection of the environment for optimal results. He said that, the least to be done is to ensure a sustainable management of diversity through the intensification and promotion of environmental awareness and education through a thorough implementation of an existing national plan.

The Minister also said that, the battle his ministry has begun against non-biodegradable plastic papers will also be stepped up to make the environment safe for man and animals. “All the projects and the programmes of my ministry are important but what is preoccupying now is the fight against plastic papers. People should know that we will not relent in the fight because we are out to completely halt the circulation of the papers,” he said.