The existence of trees and forests can be regarded as a legacy of the past, a benefit for the present, and a foundation for future development. Therefore, in line with the policy of “Let us protect our environment for the prosperity of the Nation,” we must collectively conserve, protect and develop forests, trees and forest ecosystems as a national responsibility, given their vital importance for sustainable national development, food security, climate change mitigation and natural disaster prevention.
The forest coverage of the country is increasing, and tree-planting ceremonies are being actively organized across various regions and states throughout the country under the leadership of the State, with the participation of the public, with the noble objectives of creating a green, pleasant and beautiful environment, preventing and protecting against natural disasters, and mitigating climate change.
The State has been systematically promoting annual tree planting as a national responsibility, with the goal of achieving 50 per cent forest coverage nationwide. During this year’s monsoon season, a total of 2.137 million trees have already been planted and established across the country, including in Stateowned forest plantations.
The prosperity and development of the nation and the conservation and protection of the natural environment are mutually dependent. At present, the greatest global challenges related to the natural environment are “Climate Change” and “Global Warming.” Around the world, people are experiencing natural disasters such as rising temperatures, water shortages during periods of low rainfall, floods caused by unusually heavy rainfall, and the impact of severe storms.
Forest conservation projects, including the Forest Restoration Project being implemented to increase forest coverage nationwide, the Greening Project for 13 districts in the Dry Zone, and the Integrated Management of Coastal Mangroves Project, must also be given due attention and implemented successfully in accordance with their respective objectives. These activities aim to conserve the natural environment so as to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters as a long-term plan for the nation.
Therefore, all relevant departments and the public must work together, as the State is placing special emphasis on systematically implementing measures to mitigate climate change across various sectors. To reduce and mitigate the impacts of natural disasters, tree planting, forest conservation and environmental protection activities should be carried out collectively under the leadership of the Government, as these are among the simplest, easiest and most cost-effective measures that everyone can undertake everywhere while yielding numerous benefits.
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