I am happy to learn that the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is celebrating the “International Day of Forests” on 21st March 2020 in these Islands alongwith rest of the country and world on the theme “Forests and Biodiversity” to create awareness about the importance of forests and trees outside forests and multiple benefits derived from them. The concept of celebrating this day every year as International Day of Forests originated at the 23rd General Assembly of the European Confederation of Agriculture in 1971. This event is our homage to nature. This day is celebrated to remember the services provided by forests to all creatures including the human race. Forests are the most biologically-diverse ecosystems on land, home to more than 80% of the territorial species of animals, plants and insects. Yet despite all of these priceless ecological, economic, social and health benefits, global deforestation continues at an alarming rate-13 million hectares of forest are destroyed annually. Deforestation accounts for 12 to 20 percent of the global greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Forests are our prized possession and importance of forests in our lives is being increasingly realized. Forests are essential for life on our planet Earth. They give us shade and shelter, refuge and refreshment, clear air and water and also act as carbon sinks by absorbing carbondioxide from the atmosphere. We are committed to safeguard the forest wealth of our Islands for sustainable development. This is essential for ensuring our existence in the future.On this day, let us re-dedicate ourselves to the cause of forestry and do our best to preserve and conserve the rich biodiversity of our Islands and pledge to support the Administration in this endeavor.
Sd/-
(Admiral D K Joshi)
PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM, (Retd.)
Lt Governor, A& N Islands &
Vice-Chairman, Islands Development Agency
