The Ministry of Environment says too many trees are being cut for charcoal production.

The Ministry says there are more trees cut down for charcoal production than those cut for farming purposes.

“We need laws to stop the burning of trees and grass because when you burn the trees and grass, you are polluting the environment,” Environment Minister Deng Deng Hoc told Eye Radio.

He said they are working hard to ensure that the environmental protection bill is passed by the parliament this year.

“We hope that the environmental protection bill will be approved by the parliament this year to ensure that everybody who cuts one tree plans ten trees in addition to a fine.”

Mr. Deng said that they are developing a project with support from the United Nation Environmental Program to provide seedlings to citizens.