Declining of the forest cover is a major issue faced by Sri Lanka. It is intended to increase the current forest cover of 29% from further 6000 hectares to 32% through a three year national programme during 2016-2018. Moreover, the tree planting programmes conducted by government and non-government partners with the above purpose will also be coordinated fruitfully.
A national tree planting programme will be implemented in the month of October 2015 in district and divisional secretariat division levels within the island. The programme will include various activities such as increase of forest cover, increasing the quality of the forest cover, conserving the Sri Lankan biodiversity and natural echo system, utilization of waste lands for tree planting, promotion and management of commercial forest cultivation, as per the below mentioned schedule.
* First week
Conservation of peculiar echo systems, promotion, maintenance and protection of their nearby forest covers under the theme “Ensure Forest Conservation”
* Second week
Increasing the greenery and granting its benefits to the public through tree plantation in populated areas under the theme “Enhance greenery in human settlement”
* Third week
Making the non-government organizations and the public sector, active partners of tree planting process under the theme “Promote Partnership with the non-stake holders”
* Fourth week
Directing of various groups of the society in creative and sustainable tree planting activities under the theme “Encourage various segments of the society to take part in creative forestation initiatives”
It is also proposed to implement awareness programmes on environmental conservation, soil conservation projects, and various activities in provincial level in the month of October in each year.
