I am happy to learn that the Department of Environment & Forests, Andaman and Nicobar Islands is celebrating the “International Day of Forests” on 21st March, 2019 in these Islands alongwith rest of the country and world on the theme “Forests and Education” to create awareness about the importance of forests and multiple benefits derived from them. The concept of celebrating a day every year as International Day of Forests originated at the 23rd General Assemble of the European Confederation of Agriculture in 1971. This event is our homage to nature.
Forests are our prized possession and importance of forests in our lives is being increasingly realized. The 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 carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. We are committed to safeguard the forest wealth of our Islands for sustainable development.
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 support the Administration in this endeavor.
Sd/-
(Admiral D K Joshi)
PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.)
Lieutenant Governor
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
&
Vice-Chairman, Island Development Agency