LALGADH, June 5: On the occasion of World Environment Day, the Madhesh unit of BRCRN  (Building a Resilient Churia Region in Nepal) organized a sapling plantation event in Lalgadh, Dhanusha. The event was inaugurated by Uddhav Bahadur Ghimire, secretary of the Ministry of Forests and Environment of Madhesh Province, who planted the first sapling. 

According to a press statement issued by the BRCRN, a hundred saplings of indigenous species such as sacred fig (peepal), banyan (bar), gooseberry, jackfruit, mango, neem, and chinaberry were planted on fallow land along the banks of the Badahari River in Lalgadh-9. 

"The United Nations has marked this decade as the decade of restoration. In this decade, we must focus on reducing desertification, reviving ecosystems, and promoting resilience. If we all work together towards these objectives as local campaigns, it is possible to achieve these goals," the statement quotes the chief guest, Uddhav Bahadur Ghimere, as saying.

Local residents expressed enthusiasm about the benefits of the plantation for their community. "These trees on the riverbanks will protect the endangered soil here and nearby settlements. The greenery will also benefit the entire environment, so we are happy about this tree plantation," Lakshmi Thing, ward member of Lalgadh Ward-9, was quoted as saying.

Chudamani Khatiwada, Madhesh Province Coordinator of BRCRN, emphasized the aim of increasing climate resilience through plantation. "The environment of the Chure area is at risk. The global threat of climate change has also affected Chure. We have planted trees to increase the climate resilience of the area, minimize the risk of climate change, and prevent forest degradation," quotes Khatiwada. BRCRN provided saplings, composted manure, and forest soil for the plantation.

Local authorities stressed the importance of increasing forest cover. "Organizations like the Green Climate Fund and the Food and Agriculture Organization are conducting essential conservation work in our area. Nepal has 44 percent forest cover, which is also a source of income for many people in Madhesh. Therefore, we should protect forests and increase forest area," said Sabin Bikram Thapa, chairman of Lalgadh Ward-10.

The statement further reads, “The BRCRN has been undertaking various actions in 26 river systems of the Chure region to enhance climate resilience. The tree plantation activity is part of the BRCRN’s continuous efforts in this area. To date, the BRCRN has established 24 nurseries in Madhesh Province, including 10 large forest nurseries and 14 small private nurseries. These nurseries house over 1 million saplings, mostly indigenous varieties, which are distributed free of cost to those interested in planting them.”

 
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