Asset worth Tk 6000 crore generated in 15 years thru' social afforestation

He also said country's 56 thousand partners of social forestation, who look after the trees, have got a total amount of Tk 86 crore only in last year.

The minister was speaking in the concluding ceremony of a month-long National Tree Fair -2006 at the National Parade Ground in the city.

Nine government and semi-government organisations, eleven NGOs and a number of private enterprises took part in the fair with 143 stalls.

This year, around 24 lakh seedlings of 1500 species, worth around Tk 3.64 crore were sold in the fair.

Addressing the ceremony as chief guest, the minister also said nationwide tree plantation programme in the country has largely contributed to poverty alleviation, employment generation and sustainable development in the country.

Forestation along the highways, railways and dams cost little but bring immense benefits to the poor and destitute, he added.

Deputy Minister for Environment and Forest Jafrul Islam Chowdhury said sixteen coastal districts of the country are under the threat of submerging in the sea due to global warming. Only massive plantation programme in the country can avoid the catastrophe, he added.

Secretary to the Ministry for Environment and Forest Jafar Ahmed Chowdhury said Vietnam and Korean model of 'artificial and continuous forestation' would serve double purpose: it will maintain the environmental equilibrium and attract tourists.

With a view to encouraging the young generation in tree plantation, the forest department organised painting and essay competitions where19 students in different categories were awarded with crest and certificates.

Seven stalls were awarded with crests and certificates in three categories.

Environment and Forest Minister handed the prizes over to the winners.

Chief Forest Conservator Mohammad Osman Goni and Forest Conservator (administration) Shamsul Islam were also present at the programme.