Head of State presides over celebration of National Tree Day
President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali presided, on Sunday morning, in the northern suburb of Ain Zaghouan, over the celebration of National Tree Day.
Upon arrival, the Head of State received a very warm welcome from a large crowd of men and women citizens who cheered him at length, expressing wishes of long life to him and glory to Tunisia.
Kicking off the national afforestation campaign at this time of year, the President planted, in a party atmosphere with the participation of groups of children and young people an olive tree in the park of Ain Zaghouan.
This park covers 3,5 hectares and is considered as a model of forest at the outskirts of the city, with environment paths and fitness trails and numerous trees (2000 ) including pine trees and carob trees which are rare varieties.
The President had been briefed before, through graphs, maps and statistics, about the results achieved and the main indicators registered in matters of afforestation and cleaning of parks at national level during the season 2009-2010.
It appears notably from this report that the rate of greenery has reached 13.04 pc compared with 12.86 pc last season.
The President had been briefed before, through graphs, maps and statistics, about the results achieved and the main indicators registered in matters of afforestation and cleaning of parks at national level during the season 2009-2010.
It appears notably from this report that the rate of greenery has reached 13.04 pc compared with 12.86 pc last season.
On the other hand, the President took a keen interest in the afforestation programme in urban areas and the steps made as regards fulfilling the objective of raising the average green area per capita to 15 square metres by the end of 2009. The general rate has exceeded 16.23 square metres for everybody all over the country. The Head of State enquired in the end about the efforts made to finish off the programme regarding the development of city parks in the different governorates to raise their number to 36.
He was shown in this regard the scale model of the ecological tourism centre which will be built in Boukornine and house numerous plant varieties as well as an ecological museum to make known biological products.
He stressed the need to increase these kinds of places all over the country as green lungs of cities and leisure centres for citizens.
He was also briefed about the latest publications of the ministries of agriculture and water resources and environment and sustainable development, especially those relating to afforestation, plant resources, biodiversity and results of research on national parks and natural reserves. (TAP)
