Dear Editor,
National Tree Day has slowly become an observance conducted in many countries. The event was first observed in 1996 in a few countries. Since its inception over 23 million seedlings have been planted around the world. This is a day set aside particularly for persons to stop and reflect on the importance of trees in the ecosystem. This is done to re-emphasise the importance of plants in producing fresh, clean air for humans and safe habitats for wildlife, as well as highlighting their role in reducing the dependency on fossil fuel.
Guyana has joined in this observation for the past couple of years. According to figures quoted from the Ministry of Agriculture, in excess of seven thousand (7000) plants were distributed in the 2015 tree planting exercise. National Tree Day which is being observed on October 3, 2016 is more than just planting a seedling. It goes beyond this act and extends to people showing their general appreciation for our natural environment and its flora.
The Mayor and City Council of Georgetown, in observance of this day and by extension, Agriculture Month, is hosting its ‘Green Conference’. The conference is intended to bring awareness of the great potential Georgetown and Guyana as a whole, have to utilize the country’s natural resources. This is also in keeping with the council’s effort to promote a robust, green, energy efficient and economically competitive city.
Already some government entities have commenced their tree activities to mark this special day. With the assistance of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), the council has acquired in excess of one hundred fruit seedlings for distribution to residents. Each household is encouraged to plant and care for a tree. These very trees are responsible for extracting the polluted air in our city which results from improper garbage disposal and industrial operations amongst other things. In as much as the planting of these trees in the city area will contribute to urban forestry, they serve a bigger purpose of reducing air pollution, providing food (and in some cases medicine or aesthetics), and even contributing to a reduction in soil erosion. The exercise must be viewed as important to all residents regardless of age, race or social status.
The council is once again reiterating the importance of this observation and is advocating that each household plants and cares for at least one tree.
Yours faithfully,
Royston King
Town Clerk
