Planting trees is considered one of the most important means to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Many in the country initiate tree plantation programmes frequently. However, the majority of the saplings after plantation are left without care. Thus, to protect and nurture thousands of saplings planted across the country, a Tree Nurturing Club was officially opened under the Snowman Race Secretariat today.
The initiative will aspire people to take responsibility to conserve the pristine environment and revive thousands of saplings left without care.
“Scientifically it’s proven that for the survival of a tree, 10% of it is planting and 90% is nurturing. So it is very important we nurture. From today, we are looking to formally get volunteers as part of this tree nurturing club under “You Plant, We Nurture”. We want to nurture and continue nurturing trees. We want to commit and pledge to bring climate action. We pledge to nurture trees planted across the country. I don’t think we can live in a world without trees,” said Damcho Rinzin from the Snowman Race Secretariat.
The initiative is expected to cover the entire nation. And Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation (BTFEC) will support the initiative through project financing and manpower.
“We will be helping the snowman secretariat financially as well as in terms of supplying the tools and other seed money. We plan to take this forward because millions of trees are planted in the country but unfortunately, somehow we have not taken care of the plantation,” added Dorji, the Acting Chief Program Officer of BTFEC.
The initiative has over 30 members and the membership will remain open to interested individuals. The member’s primary role will be to help nurture the trees by clearing weeds or bushes, dig soils and water the saplings on a voluntary basis.
The club also plans to honour a “Climate Hero” by awarding certificates to individuals or groups nurturing the highest number of trees.
Tshering Dendup
