More than 600 Trees Planted to Commemorate International Day of Forest
By Alex Dadamu
To celebrate the International Day of Forest, the Ministry of Forestry and Research with its stakeholders organized a tree-planting event in Honiara on Thursday.
The event, held at the Botanical Garden and Herbarium area, saw the planting of 670 trees as part of the commemorative activities.
Under the theme of ‘Forest and Innovation,’ the day aimed to advocate on the critical role forests play in our ecosystem and the innovative approaches needed for their preservation.
The director of the Botanical Garden and Herbarium Division and chairman of the organizing committee, Mr Myknee Sirikolo, emphasized the importance of the day and the services they provide in their effort to manage forests in the country.
Director of the Botanical Garden and Herbarium Division and chairman of the organizing committee, Mr Myknee Sirikolo.
“Preparations for the day began two weeks prior, with SINU Forestry students lending a hand to ensure the site is ready for the tree planting exercise.
“I am happy that our permanent secretary, deputy commissioners, Directors and senior officers at the Ministry also took part in the tree planting activity.
“We divided the day into two parts which is, the tree planting exercise part and the other half of the day, we provide awareness and information on the services that we do in our strive to manage forests in the country.
“We also display specimens and forest biodiversity, provide seedlings to farmers and other activities,” Mr Sirikolo said.
Keith Moveni, a senior forester at the Forestry Ministry, who is instrumental in preparing the site for the tree planting exercise speaks to SIBC News on the vital role tree planting plays in environmental conservation efforts.
Officers from the Ministry of Forestry taking part in the tree planting activity .Photo: Shanellar Kafa
“Millions of people around the world depend on forests for their livelihood so the day is important in a way that it commemorates how sustainable management of forest can benefit the present and future for generations to come,” Mr Moveni said.
The Forestry Ministry and its partners during the event reiterated their commitment to promoting sustainable forest management practices and biodiversity conservation through initiatives like tree planting events, ensuring a greener and healthier future for generations to come.
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