The Minister of Forestry and Land Reclamation Mr. Ralechate 'Mokose has appealed for cooperation from priests to assist his ministry achieve its objectives during Anglican Church of Lesotho (ACL) Priests gathering held at the Anglican Centre in Maseru.

In his speech, Mr. Mokose indicated that among responsibilities of his Ministry are to reduce the extent of soil erosion and land degradation in Lesotho through, among others planting of various kinds of trees and engaging in environmental preservation.He further noted that construction of dams will also form part of the Ministry's engagements, adding that it is only through cooperation and support from churches, schools, government ministries, Parliamentarians, Chiefs and traditional and youth associations that his Ministry would realize its objectives.

Minister  Mokose noted that every aspiration becomes a reality through the power of prayer, explaining that he decided to approach priests so  that they work hand in hand in ensuring that the Ministry of Forestry and Land Reclamation saves Lesotho by improving management of natural resources.

The Minister of Forestry and Land Reclamation appealed to the priests to encourage their congregations to work hard, especially to plant trees to protect church buildings, for this will contribute in saving the country as a whole. He further noted that various groups forming part of the congregation of the church should also contribute in conserving the environment by planting trees.

In conclusion, the Minister appealed to every Mosotho to take up the challenge of contributing in planting trees to conserve the environment and to keep Lesotho as beautiful as it used to be. The Minister is currently engaged in a campaign to address different sectors of society on the importance of planting trees along with the national tree-planting day.

7 April 2003