Accra: Engr. Dr. Prosper Mensah, a Research Scientist at the Forestry Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-FORIG), has highlighted the significant health and economic benefits of integrating tree planting into estate development and management.

According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Mensah emphasized in an interview that incorporating green spaces and trees into estate planning not only promotes public health but also enhances the value and rental appeal of properties. He explained that estates with more trees tend to see increased rental values as people are naturally attracted to green environments.

Dr. Mensah noted that in developed countries, shopping districts with ample greenery attract more customers, thanks to the pleasant atmosphere created by trees. He advocated for a national policy mandating tree planting as a civic duty, suggesting that when supported by science and engineering, this could also benefit Ghana’s economy through carbon trading.

He further ex
pressed concern about the decline of woodwork education in technical schools due to timber scarcity, which affects students’ ability to pursue wood science. This shift has led many students to opt for metalwork and other fields, creating a gap in future wood scientists and artisans.

Dr. Mensah also addressed the issues of environmental degradation from unchecked deforestation, particularly in urban areas, citing rising temperatures and drying water bodies as consequences. He lamented the exposure of rivers to direct sunlight due to the destruction of natural buffers and the overlooked role of bamboo in protecting water bodies.

To ensure accountability and sustainability, Dr. Mensah called for integrating technical expertise into national tree-planting initiatives and recommended implementing monitoring systems to track the growth and survival of planted trees. This, he stressed, would foster ownership and responsibility among stakeholders.