Accra commemorates World Water Day with tree planting competition

As part of activities to commemorate this year’s World Water Day (WWD), Water Resources Commission (WRC) on Thursday organised a ceremonial tree planting exercise to herald tree planting competition among some schools in Accra.

The tree planting competition is among four basic schools in Accra, including South La, Osu Home, Osu Royal Preparatory and Airport Police A & B Basic Schools, which do not have enough tree coverage on their compounds.

Mrs Adwoa Munkua Dako, Public Relations Officer WRC, said the exercise is to enhance tree coverage in the competing schools in order to protect their premises against erosion and serve as wind breaks against rainstorm.

The competition would be replicated in other parts of the country.

She said the WWD is held annually on 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater, and advocating the sustainable management of fresh water sources.

She said this year, the day is being dedicated to water cooperation on the theme: “International year of water cooperation.”

UNESCO has been designated by the United Nations to lead the 2013 celebrations.

Mrs Dako said the objective of this year’s celebration is to raise awareness on the potential for increased cooperation and on the challenges facing water management in the light of increasing demand for access, allocation and service.

Tree seedlings, black soil, watering cans and protective baskets were distributed to the schools to facilitate the tree planting process.