KITA responds to increasing degradation of the environment

Domeabra (Ash), March 18, GNA - The Kumasi Institute of Tropical Agriculture (KITA) is to begin a programme in ecological engineering and ecovillage design to help appropriately deal with the increasing degradation of the environment.

Mr. Samuel Owusu-Takyi, the Director, said the programme would build the capacity of environmentalists, agriculturists and students in renewable energy, water harvesting and purification, restoration of land and natural building technologies.

It would also provide training in sustainable agriculture and afforestation.

He announced this at an international conference on 'Promoting ecovillage strategies as models for sustainable development' held at Domeabra in the Ejisu-Juaben Municipality.

It was organized by the Global Ecovillage Network, Ghana (GEN) with support from the Danish Civil Society Network.

The meeting brought together environmental NGOs, agriculturists, youth-based organizations, geologists, scientists and students, drawn from Ghana, Denmark, Germany, Canada, Scotland, United States and Cameroun.

The goal was to help identify strategies to support the development of ecovillages in Ghana and Africa amid the widespread deterioration of the environment to improve the lives of the people.

Mr. Owusu-Takyi indicated that the ecovillage concept aimed to develop a social and community-oriented settlement that encouraged living in an environment where there was conservation and sustainable biodiversity practices.

It again seeks to provide a rich natural and social surroundings for children and community members to develop.

He spoke of the need for the nation to adopt such development model to protect the environment.

Ms. Kosha Anja Joubert, Executive-Director of the Global Ecovillage Network - International, said the ecovillage concept was based on the care for the earth, empowerment of the people and fair-share of natural resources to sustain livelihoods.

'If we do not wake up and consciously design our own future, past and present realities will surely shape it for us', she added.

Mr. Lovans Owusu-Takyi, Executive-Secretary of GEN, Ghana, said many communities across the nation were being encouraged to adopt the concept in their own interest.

GNA