Izah Azahari
A total of 88 Pulaie Bukit (Alstonia iwahigensis) tree saplings were planted at Jalan Pusat Persidangan Berakas Recreational Park yesterday, at the launch for International Day of Forests 2021 themed ‘Forest Restoration: A Path to Recovery and Well-Being’.
The event was organised by the Forestry Department under the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT).
The saplings, a type of local tree, were also planted in conjunction with the 88th anniversary of the establishment of the Forestry Department in March 1933.
Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Apong was the guest of honour.
Also present were Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Khairunnisa binti Haji Ash’ari, Permanent Secretary at the MPRT Hajah Tutiaty binti Haji Abdul Wahab, members of the Diplomatic Corps; deputy permanent secretaries at the MPRT, heads of departments, as well as senior officers and staff at the MPRT and the Ministry of Development (MoD); and representatives from the local timber industry and non-government organisation (NGO) Green Brunei.
The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and a Doa, followed by the official launching of the International Day of Forests 2021.
The event proceeded with the planting of tree saplings by the guest of honour, as well as a mass tree-planting by other attendees.
Previously known as World Forestry Day, the International Day of Forests (IDF) was received during the 67th session of the United Nations General Assembly, which declared March 21 as a day to celebrate IDF to enhance public awareness on the importance of all types of forest ecosystems in sustainable development.
Brunei Darussalam, through the Forestry Department, first celebrated the event on March 21, 1983, which has since become an annual main activity for the department, followed by several side activities.
This step was intended to show the world that Brunei Darussalam is also concerned and committed on issues related to stability and environmental protection.