I am pleased to learn that the International Day of Forests is being observed on 21st March, 2018 in these Islands alongwith rest of the country and world on the theme ‘Forests and Sustainable Cities’ to create awareness among communities about the values, significance and contributions of trees and forests in the urban areas.
Forests constitute the basic life support system and its importance is being increasingly realized. They give us shade and shelter, refuge & refreshment, clean air & water and also act as carbon sink to mitigate the impacts of global warming and climate change. However, population growth and improper developmental activities have resulted in depletion of forests in the country, which needs to be addressed suitably.
We are fortunate that the nature has endowed these Islands not only with very dense forest cover but also with very rich forest biodiversity which evident from the presence of a wide variety of flora and fauna. The forests of A&N Islands provide a very clean, green and healthy environment, which we must protect and preserve.
On this day I appeal to all the people to protect and preserve the forests and environment of these Islands not only for ourselves but also for our future generations.
Sd/-
(Admiral D K Joshi)
PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.)
Lieutenant Governor
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
