Plans are underway to import mango saplings from Pakistan and India and that of Durian, a jackfruit like fruit from Thailand for planting un der the upcoming afforestation programme. reports UNB.
This was disclosed by Environment and Forest Minister Akbar Hossain while speaking as chief guest at a seminar on "Social Forestry and Role of NGOs at the United Nations Information Centre in the city yesterday morning.
Bangladesh 2000. a volun tary organisation, arranged the seminar in cooperation with the UN1C in observance of the World Environment Day.
The minister urged the NGOs as well as the forest de partment to plant trees in a planned manner to Increase forests and protect country's environment. "Make model planting of trees."
Chief Conservator of Forests Muzammel Hussain presented the keynote paper at the seminar. which was also addressed by Environment and Forest Secretary Abdullah Maroon Pasha. UNDP Resident Representative Eimi Watanabe,
Dr A Atiq Rahman of the Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies. Professor of the Department of Botany of Dhaka University Dr A K M Nazrul Islam and District Government of Lions District 315 Bl 1 Ln JL Bhowmlk
Some places are favourable for planting some specific types of tress... and so plant shal. Uchi or mango tress where these are suitable." the Forest Minister told the afforestation activists.
He told the officials of Forest Department to update the "Katcha-Mltha" variety mango by developing tissue culture to save it from extinction.
The minister said he had asked the research institutions to find ways and means of Increasing the date Juice of Jessore. He emphasised quality of seedlings and qualities of genes of plant for better output from the trees planted.
The NGOs have a greater role to play as they have an important participatory role in the social afforestation programme. he said.
"Development of forestry is not only for tree resources de-
velopment and environmental Improvement but also for strengthening the economic structure of the country." Akbar said
He called upon the NGOs to plant tress on long rotation' on one side and short rotation" on another side.
Environment and Forest Secretary Abdullah Haroon Pasha said village forestry is very Important as most fire wood and timber come from It.
Highlighting government s plantation programme he said a three month plantation and maintenance programme will commence July 15.
He said the hazardous toxic wastes were being duped in the waters of the poor countries. posing threat to the environment.
UNDP Resident Representative Eimi Watanabe said this years' theme for the World Environment Day had consistence with the International Year of the Family and global family had responsibilities to nurture the environment.
The essence of the theme of the World Environment Day
— One Earth One Family" - Is also Important for the future generation of the globe.
'Partnership between government and non-government sectors In social forestry plays Important critical role in mak Ing the social afforestation programme a success." she said
Emphasising the role of women community in protecting environment, she said women are the key players in environment as well as social forestry activities.
Earlier In the morning, a colourful rally from Shlshu Park marched upto Shlshu Academy carrying the message of the day. The Environment and Forest Minister led the rally.
The Environment and Forest Secretary and the Bhutanese Ambassador Dr T Tobgyel. were also among the marchers.
Boy Scout. Girl Guide and people of "Swanlrvar Bangladesh" took part in the colourful rally waving banners and festoons inscribed with the theme of the day — "One Earth One Family."