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Planting trees in urban areas can cool the air by 8 pct

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Some of the greenery views which can be found in the heart of Kuching City.
Some of the greenery views which can be found in the heart of Kuching City.

KUCHING: World Wide Fund for Nature Malaysia (WWF-Malaysia) is calling on urbanites in the state to plant a tree to mark the International Day of Forests that is celebrated globally tomorrow (March 21). Its Sarawak Programme Leader, Dr Jason Hon in a statement in conjunction with the International Day of Forests said this year’s celebration themed, ‘Forests and Sustainable Cities’, emphasised the importance of forests and trees as part of the urban landscapes, to co-exist with humankind.

He said urbanites should do their part in greening their cities and towns as trees provide many benefits such as reducing temperature and noise pollution, removing harmful pollutants in the air and storing carbon which helps to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

“In WWF-Malaysia, we also hope that local authorities, particularly those involved in urban planning and developers will set aside more areas as public parks or nature reserves as green lungs for cities,” he said, adding the recent news that Canada Hill and its surrounding areas in Miri City might be gazetted as a green lung is a much welcomed move.

Elaborating, Dr Hon added the benefits of having forests and trees are endless. “In Sarawak, it is not uncommon to have trees in our home gardens, which provide us with fruits, herbs and even beautify our dwelling. The direct benefits of having trees are so clear, but there are more to it.

“Ac cording to Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), strategic placement of trees in urban areas can cool the air by up to eight degrees Celsius, reducing air conditioning needs by 30 percent. “Forests in and around urban areas help to filter and regulate water, contributing to high-quality fresh water supplies for hundreds of millions of people.

Forests also protect watersheds and prevent flooding as they store water in their branches and soil,” explained Dr Hon. He said trees also improved the local climate, helping to save energy used for heating by 20 percent to 50 percent, provide home and food to wildlife including birds and insects. Dr Hon pointed out that the third week of March is significant time as World Water Day is observed on 22 March, and Earth Hour on 24 March.

The messages from these green days are closely intertwined and ultimately, having healthy standing forests will help to conserve the water and mitigate climate change. According to the FAO, forests covered one third of the earth’s land mass, performing vital functions around the world.

Around 1.6 billion people – including more than 2,000 indigenous cultures – depend on forests for their livelihoods, medicines, fuel, food and shelter. Forests are the most biologically- diverse ecosystems on land, home to more than 80 percent of the terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects.

Yet despite all of these priceless ecological, 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. The global community recognise the importance of coming together to halt the loss of forests.

Countries have pledged to plant more trees, but efforts to stop the continued degradation of our remaining forests should be stepped up. Dr Hon also applauded the Sarawak government’s efforts in increasing its protected area coverage, pushing for compulsory forest management certification and consideration for an integrated watershed management plan.

“We need an urgent collective approach by all, to create a greater sense of appreciation for our environment and our forests, to acknowledge the vital services that our forests have served us. “Those living in the cities can initiate their own tree planting activities within their home gardens or neighbourhood, to be in line with this year’s theme.

By doing so, we are sending a clear message, that transcends upwards to the government, that we want nothing less than a sustainable living space that is cleaner, greener and healthier,” he added.

The International Day of Forests is held annually on 21 March to raise awareness of the importance of forests to people and their vital role in poverty eradication, environmental sustainability and food security. Sustainable management of all types of forests are at the heart of unlocking challenges of conflictaffected, developing and developed countries, for the benefit of current and future generations.

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