Extensive tree plantation can reduce carbon emission: Speakers

RAJSHAHI, Jul 2 (BSS): Massive tree plantation can help reduce carbon emission at a substantial level, speakers at a discussion said here Monday. They viewed that there is no alternative to creating more forest area to address the adverse impacts of climate change caused by global warming. They were addressing the inaugural ceremony of a fortnight-long Tree Plantation Campaign and Tree Fair-2013 being held at the Green Plaza of City Bhaban in Rajshahi city. Social Forestry Division (SFD) and Office of the Deputy Commissioner jointly organized the campaign with a call to make the tree plantation campaign a social movement. State Minister for Industries Omor Faruque Chowdhury, MP, addressed the session as the chief guest with Deputy Commissioner Mezbah Uddin Chowdhury in the chair. In his welcome speech, Divisional Forest Officer Azit Kumar Rudra gave an overview of the tree fair and revealed the achievements of forestry activities in the region. Commissioner of Rajshahi division Helal Uddin Ahmed, Additional Commissioner of RMP Sarder Tamiz Uddin and Chief Executive Officer of Rajshahi City Corporation Ajahar Ali also spoke. Faruque Chowdhury said optimum afforestation could help stop degradation of environment and biodiversity making the country a safe habitat for all. Expanding the country's forest area by up to 25 percent of the total landscape will protect Bangladesh from the possible alarming consequences of the ongoing climate changes, he added. He urged all people irrespective of age, sex, creed and cast to plant at least three saplings around their respective homesteads or on any open space to help maintain environmental and ecological balance and save the region from the wrath of any natural catastrophe. The state minister said there is no alternative to planting more saplings to protect the ecological balance, after facing the adverse effect of Farakka barrage in the region. He asked all concerned to put in their best efforts to make the region green by increasing the forest area. Different government and non-government organizations and individuals including nursery owners and local entrepreneurs had set up 50 stalls on the fair ground displaying saplings of over 100 varieties, including 40 indigenous plants of fruit-bearing timber and medicinal trees. Earlier, officials, students and heads of the educational institutions, socio- cultural activists and professionals brought out a colourful rally carrying banners and festoons from Collegiate School premises. After parading the city streets the rally converged into the fair venue.