Web of Life

Planting trees was a great contribution to the environment, a gift freely given to everyone. One’s responsibility did not stop there. Actively taking care of trees that were planted and giving it for the future generation was important , said A. H. M. Fowzie, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources on Friday. Addressing a media conference, the minister said that a nation-wide tree planting campaign would be launched on October 15 under the leadership of President Kumaratunga.

The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has declared October 15th as the National Tree Planting Day under the theme ‘Greener Sri Lanka’. Minister Fowzie has made elaborate arrangements to engage every sector of people to actively participate in the campaign and take care of trees.

This factor was clearly spelled out by him, who noted that for the past three decades, three million trees from Sri Lanka’s forests had been felled without any concern about the consequences it had on climate. The forest coverage, which was 87 per cent, had come down to 21per cent, the minister observed.

The annual tree plating had been a mere political show, seeking political mileage without genuine concern for the growth of trees that would benefit people at large, said Sarath Fernando, Forest Conservation General.

It was discussed to strengthen all laws relating to forest and wildlife conservation, motivate range officers by giving them more facilities such as sufficient vehicles, phones, weapons etc. and to educate the public about their responsibility to protect the environment. Minister Fowzie emphasised the need to introduce a environmental study programme to schools, organize workshops and media forums.

The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources hopes to engage people of every sector, including business community, NGOs, public servants, police officers, school children and housewives.

Arrangements have been made to continue the tree planting for one month, beginning October 15 in various parts of the island, including North and East. People in the North and East have shown keen interest in tree planting, for which requests have been made to the ministry to provide coconut plants.

The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources will begin to plant palmyrah trees in the N/E regions as well.

The ministry has the following variety of seedlings for this year’s tree planting programme.

Species No:

1) Teak (Stumps) 589,420

2) Teak (Tubed) 104,375

3) Mahogany 195,881

4) Kohomba 33,533

5) Pihibiya 32,735

6) Na 10,510

7) Madan 7,207

8) Mee 13,285

9) Hora 8,991

10) Jak 12,698

11) Toona 3,450

12) Kumbuk 16,569

13) Ebony 4,740

14) Satin 4,034

15) Halmilla 7,232

16) Nadun 3,245

(http://www.island.lk/2004/09/14/news17.html)