June 5 is globally marked as World Environment Day. Community and individual driven programmes create awareness about the importance of conserving the environment and provides a platform to engage in activities that improve the environment.
Conserving the environment is critical as it ensures the serenity of our habitation and prevents natural disasters among other benefits.
One important aspect of the environment which needs the attention of all as we mark World Environment Day is reforestation.
Reforestation brings balance to the ecosystem, which in turn keeps global warming at bay. Tree planting in our communities and cities provides shade for humanity and help improve the quality of life.
In recognition of this fact and as a mining company committed to the stewardship of the environment, Newmont Ghana’s Akyem mine has embarked on a reforestation programme in its Akyem mine area.
The Adjenjua Bepo forest, located in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region is the beneficiary of an ongoing reforestation programme expected to replenish over 101 hectares of the plantation. The Reforestation Programme is in fulfillment of Newmont’s reforestation commitment in its Akyem mine Environmental Impact Statement
In collaboration with the Forestry Commission, Newmont Ghana will replace the degraded area impacted by its Akyem Mine’s operation.
This means reforesting about 317 hectaresof degraded forest compared to the original 101 hectares impacted by the operations of the mine. The Akyem mine will thus reforest three hectares of every one hectare being impacted.
The mine has established a 70,000-seedling capacity nursery for the production of seedlings for the reforestation programme.
Over 60,000 indigenous and commercial plant seedlings of 30 different species approved by the Kade District office of the Forest Services Division have been raised.
Additionally, some 50,000 Cedrelaodorata (Cedrela) seedlings have also been raised at the Akyem mine’s plant nursery (Phase 2) and interplanted with indigenous seedlings as recommended by the Forestry Services Division of the Forestry Commission.
“Coming from an industry that transforms mineral resources into shared value, we are very much aware of our obligation to work within a regulatory framework that ensures responsible and sustainable conduct and management of our natural resources,” says Johan Ferreira, Regional Senior Vice President of Newmont Africa. “Our environment is like our home; it needs constant care to remain conducive and habitable.”
It is imperative we make the conservation of the environment a priority as we celebrate World Environment Day 2015.
The actions of each and every one of us have consequences for the future of 25 million Ghanaian dreams. Our only option, therefore, is to work together and to be responsible stewards of the environment.
