Environmental protection: Taking action to protect rivers, riding the wave of innovation and resilience

The overall objective of the project is to improve the living conditions and health of the population of Akuakrom by planting tree species near rivers and streams. In recent years, there have been frequent floods and storms in the Sekyere East District. This sometimes causes damage and can be considered a disaster, which is why the Ghanaian government has recommended planting trees in villages, especially along rivers. The waterways that run through the communities are overexploited. The forests in the area have been cleared to allow the village to grow, and the debris from this exploitation has been dumped into the waterways. Due to the toxicity of certain plants, the waterways have evaporated and their ecosystems have disappeared with them. The majority of the waterways in the area are now dry or heavily polluted. Planting trees along the waterways will help clean up the air and water. In addition, it will allow for the restoration of the ecosystem living in and around these waterways. Ultimately, the project led by Back To Roots also plans to reintroduce animals such as fish into the rivers that have been cleaned up. These long years of struggle led the King of Ashanti to enact a law in 2007 stipulating that traditional chiefs are required to “confiscate” 10 meters on each side of the riverbanks, where cultivation is strictly prohibited in order to prevent water pollution from chemicals.