BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

 

BRUNEI will symbolise its commitment in offsetting global tree loss in a series of mass planting of 60,000 tree seedlings this year, beginning May 22.

 

The mass planting coincides with the International Day of Biodiversity and Green Wave – the global planting ceremony initiated by the Convention on Biological Diversity, said Deputy Director of Forestry Department Mahmud Yussof.

 

The mass tree planting ceremony is a branded traditional sustainable practice for the Forestry Department, under the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources since the World Forestry Day was first celebrated in 1987.

 

Mahmud said: “This is a symbolic ceremony involving the public and a specific target group of communities depending on the theme formulated for each year. The young generations such as students are the main target group to be involved.”

 

The mass planting is aimed to protect and enhance forests to provide suitable habitats for wildlife, he added.

“The planted trees will also symbolise Brunei’s commitment in ensuring the earth is a safe place for all sorts of living things,” he added.

 

In addition, the planted trees will increase the nation’s forest capacity to absorb and store atmospheric carbon, Mahmud said.

 

The deputy director further said that the Forestry Department has established its national green networking with other government agencies, private sector; non-governmental organisations, students; and donor agencies to increase public awareness on the importance of nature conservation.

 

The mass planting activities organised on community and participatory basis has effectively developed green awareness among the participants, he said.

 

“They play a vital role in delivering the green policy of the country. This is the driving force for reducing the carbon footprint of agencies involved especially for corporate and private sectors,” he added.

 

Mahmud said that the mass tree-planting will be an ongoing programme to support the economic growth of the country, and reaffirming the need to balance it with environmental sustainability as a prioritised national commitment.