The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, in cooperation with the Forestry Administration, is giving away 50 seedlings each to citizens who want to plant them in the period from March 21 to April 30.
Interested citizens should contact the regional unit in their municipality.
World Forest Day was celebrated yesterday, and the ministry reminded that forests occupy almost 60 percent of the territory of Montenegro and that their health, vitality, quality, functions and forest products represent a recognizable symbol of the ecological state.
They point out that one of the most valuable forests in Europe, the Biogradska gora rainforest, is located in Montenegro.
They said that the current situation due to the pandemic caused by the coronavirus reminds us how important it is to preserve healthy ecological systems and a healthy environment.
World Forest Day is an important international ecological date established by the United Nations in 2012, in order to strengthen global awareness of the importance of forests, their preservation and sustainable use, and March 21 marks both Tree Day and Planting Day.
"Forests represent one of the most complex ecosystems on earth and a precious natural resource of exceptional importance for humans, but also for overall biodiversity. They are climate stabilizers, affect water sources, preserve water resources and affect all other ecosystems. They prevent erosion and create soil. They are the habitat of numerous species of plants and animals. Their excessive use has led to the constant reduction of areas under forest and to the degradation of the environment. Restoring forest ecosystems and increasing the territory under the forest is one of the basic prerequisites for the preservation of a healthy environment and the survival of life as we know it," the ministry announced.
They warned that deforestation drives wildlife out of their natural habitats and brings them closer to human populations, creating more opportunities for zoonotic diseases – diseases that spread from animals to humans.
The annual rate of deforestation in the world has decreased by more than 50 percent, the ministries added.
They said that "as a society we must learn to love forests, to preserve them and appreciate their role for us."
"Countries with healthy forests and regulated forestry are rich societies and promising economies," the announcement concludes.
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