I am happy to know that the Department of Environment & Forests, Andaman and Nicobar Islands will be observing the ‘International Day of Forests’ on 21st March, 2025 in these Islands along with the rest of the country, and world on the theme “Forests and Food”. The day emphasizes the crucial role of forests in food security, nutrition, and livelihoods, with a call to initiate action to harness technological innovations to address deforestation and climate change.
This theme reminds us that protecting and restoring forests is not just about saving trees—it’s also about ensuring a sustainable and nutritious food supply for future generations. By preserving forests, we help fight hunger, maintain biodiversity, and support farming communities worldwide. In addition, forests give us fruits, nuts, seeds, and even habitats for animals that mankind consume, help farming by keeping the soil healthy, controlling water flow, and giving homes to bees and other animals that induce plants to grow which in turn roll out the benefits for the future.
By participating in World Forestry Day, 2025, we acknowledge the essential role forests play in our lives and commit to actions that preserve these invaluable ecosystems for the well-being of people and the planet, especially forest-dependent communities.
On the occasion of the ‘International Day of Forests’, I urge the nature loving people of these Islands to realize the importance of forests in food security. Let’s re-commit to healthy forests for healthier livelihoods by sustainable forest management practices that ensure the long-term health of our forests and the food security of future generations.
May our actions today inspire a future where forests and food thrive in harmony, ensuring a healthy and sustainable world for all by supporting the Administration in this endeavor.
Sd/-
(Admiral DK Joshi)
PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.)
Lieutenant Governor, A&N Islands
& Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency
