The environment should not be sacrificed..........water catchment, carbon balance, evapotranspiration, photosynthesis and production of wood.

Forest reserves, protected by law, are strictly prohibited

The environment should not be sacrificed in the name of development. This is especially so in forest reserve areas where logging is strictly prohibited. No one has the right to cut down the trees there, including licensed logging firms. All catchment areas fall under the Protected Areas and Protected Places Act 1959. Any encroachment into these catchment areas will affect the quality and quantity of water. As we know, deforestation causes irreversible ecological damage that will lead to soil pollution. It hastens soil erosion which in turn affects water quality. This will then result in higher cost of water treatment. Trees are therefore important for the protection of water catchment, carbon balance, evapotranspiration, photosynthesis and production of wood.

Summary: Forest reserves protected by law, are strictly prohibited from logging. The trees protect the catchment areas and maintain the ecological balance. Any trees felled in the reserves will cause soil erosion and affect the quantity and quality of water, raising the cost of water treatment.