Authorities in N. Bahr El Ghazal call on residents to preserve trees

The Northern Bahr El Ghazal Minister for Agriculture and Forestry on Friday warned residents to
refrain from cutting down trees in order to preserve the environment.
Anei Deng Akok told journalists that his ministry is deeply concerned about the ongoing
deforestation in Aweil town due to the economic activity such as charcoal burning.
“Some people come to us and request for 5 trees which they need to cut down to obtain the
timber for construction, but we are surprised to learn afterward that they exceeded the number
approved, this is so weird and is not part of conserving the environment,” said Anei during
press conference held in Aweil town.
He said that some trees with edible fruits have also been felled.
“They go deep to the forest, load the trucks with timbers and head to the market. This is not
something we support. It is part of damaging the forests we have which leads to climatic
change,” said Anei.
Anei promised that his ministry will work hard to apprehend illegal loggers in Aweil.
He also noted that some people have ended up burning vegetation cover denying cattle
vegetation.
Marko Madut Garang, a resident of Aweil town welcomed the move by the ministry to regulate
timber logging.
He alleged that some officials in the ministry of agriculture and forestry collaborate with illegal
loggers.