| Lyna Mohamad |
THE Department of Forestry, under the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, yesterday marked International Forest Day 2018 at the Jalan Menteri Besar Recreational Park, with the theme of ‘Forests and Sustainable Cities… Let’s Make Our Cities Greener, Healthier, Happier Places to Live’.
The guest of honour was Noralinda binti Haji Ibrahim, the Acting Director of Forestry.
Also present were officers and staff from the Department of Forestry, as well as representatives from the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe) and the Health Promotion Centre.
The celebration began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, followed with welcoming remarks by Haktu Mabong, the chairperson of the organising committee, who said that this year’s theme focusses on the importance of trees and forests for general well-being in an urban environment.
“Forests can make our cities cleaner, greener and healthier places to stay. Among the many benefits, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), is carbon storage to help reduce the effects of climate change and stabilise the environment by saving 20 to 50 per cent of energy consumption,” she said.
“Forests also cool down the air by as much as eight degrees Celsius, and reduce the use of air conditioners by 30 per cent. They are the best natural air filters, providing habitation, food and protection to plants and animals, while helping to maintain and increase biodiversity.”
The event also witnessed a mass planting of 213 local tree species, including the Tulong (Agathis), Gaharu (Aquilaria), Kapur Paya (Dryobalanops) and Pulaie (Astonia), in honour of International Forest Day, which falls annually on March 21.
Meanwhile, the Department of Forestry will also organise several activities to raise public awareness on the importance of preserving natural forests and biodiversity, which includes holding presentations, exhibitions and roadshows at selected schools, mukims and villages across the country.