In a bid to control the menace of erosion in Anambra, the state government has concluded plans to plant about two million economic and erosion control trees during the celebration of the 2012 World Environment Day on June 5.

The state Commissioner for Environment, Dr Mike Egbebuike,told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Wednesday that the state government procured about 1.5 million seedlings from the Federal Government’s initiative on afforestation.

Egbebuike said that 500, 000 seedlings were acquired from the state government’s forest reserve.

He expressed the hope that the seedlings, which would be transplanted in various towns and communities in the state, would help reduce some of the ecological problems facing the state.

According to him, the state has “more than 500 documented erosion sites and the lack of tree covers and deforestation contribute to most of the ecological problems we have in the state.

“So having a big tree with a big cover will not only protect the soil but also help in creating jobs,” he said.

He maintained, however, that the ministry was collaborating with the Presidents-Generals of the 177 communities of the state to ensure the success of the planting project.

“We believe that we cannot achieve anything without involving the communities. They are to take ownership of the project and that is how the trees can be protected.” (NAN)