Wide-ranging tree plantation can be the best way of reducing carbon emission at a substantial level and that is very important to protect ecological balance in the dried region.
There is no alternative to creating more forest coverage to address the adverse impacts of climate change caused by global warming.
Utmost emphasis should be given to creating more forest area which needs creating awareness among the public in general so that they can contribute to this field effectively.
Administrative officials and experts came up with the observation while inaugurating a 15-day long Rajshahi Divisional Tree Fair-2024 at the green plaza of City Bhaban here on Sunday.
Social Forestry Division (SFD) and District administration jointly organized the fair where various government and non-government organizations and individuals including nursery owners and local entrepreneurs took part through setting up 66 stalls.
Commissioner of Rajshahi division Dr Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir addressed the opening ceremony as chief guest, while Deputy Commissioner Shamim Ahmed was in the chair.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (Acting) Faisal Mahmud, Commissioner-in-Charge of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Rashidul Hassan and Conservator of Forest Aminul Islam also spoke.
Divisional Forest Officer Rafiquzzaman Shah welcomed the participants.
Commissioner Dr Humayun Kabir said optimum afforestation can be the crucial means of stopping degradation of environment and biodiversity making the country a safe habitat for all.
Expanding the country's forest area by up to 25 percent of the total landscape will protect Bangladesh from the possible alarming consequences of the ongoing climate changes, he added.
All people irrespective of age, sex, creed and cast should plant at least three saplings around their respective homesteads or on any open space to help maintain environmental and ecological balance and save the region from the wrath of any natural catastrophe.
In his remarks, Conservator of Forest Aminul Islam said there is no way but to plant more saplings to protect the ecological balance, asking all concerned to put in their best efforts to make the region green by increasing the forest area.
Explaining various beneficial aspects of trees and homestead gardening in human life, he urged all to plant at least three tree saplings on their homesteads to help maintain environmental and ecological balance.
Earlier, the officials and others concerned brought out a huge rally from the Railway gate area and paraded some of the thoroughfares before ending at the fair venue.