Extensive forestation to improve environment, economy stressed

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BSS, Rangpur :
Experts at a discussion have stressed on extensive forestation through tree plantation to improve environment, ecology and biodiversity as well as economy in making the country a safe abode for all.
They came up with the observations at the discussion at the concluding function of a fortnight-long ‘Divisional Wood, Fruit and Medicinal Tree Fair-2018’ held on Zila School ground here on Thursday night.
The district administration jointly with Social Forestry Division and Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) organised the fair to aware the people of the importance of tree plantation for adaptation to climate change for a safer planet.
Many government and non-governmental organisations, nursery owners and entrepreneurs had set up sixty stalls on the fairground displaying saplings of many varieties of fruit, timber and medicinal plants.
Deputy Director (Local Government) for Rangpur Ruhul Amin Mian attended the discussion and distributed prizes to the best stall owners as the chief guest with Divisional Forest Officer Rafikuzzaman Shah in the chair.
Additional Police Super Abu Maruf Hasan, Deputy Director of the DAE Dr Sarwarul Alam and its District Training Officer Aftab Hossain, Headmaster of Rangpur Zila School Abu Raihan Md Mizanur Rahman, addressed as special guests.
The speakers expressed concern over the changing climate that causes catastrophes like super cyclones, tsunamis, bush fires, droughts and devastating floods threatening the habitation, environment, ecology, agriculture and every sector.
Rafikuzzaman Shah discussed beneficial aspects of forests and important roles of trees in human life and maintaining environmental equilibrium.
“Tree plantation could help to adapt to adverse impacts of climate change and protect the environment, ecology and biodiversity saving immeasurable living species, including animals, birds, insects, aqua animals including fishes from extinction,” he said.
The chief guest stressed on plantation of tree saplings on the fallow lands, premises of offices, educational and other institutions, roadside areas and open places to increase the country’s total forest area.
He specially called upon everyone to plant at least three tree saplings annually to improve environment side by side with meeting nutritional demand and getting economic benefits to speed up national development.
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