ISLAMABAD: International Day of Forests was observed on Tuesday, to raise awareness regarding importance of forests for the benefit of current and future generations.

This year’s theme of the day is ‘Forests and Health,’ which calls for giving, not just taking, recognizing that healthy forests will bring healthy people. The day encourages efforts to organize local, national and international activities involving forests and trees, such as tree plantation campaigns.

In her message on the International Day of Forests, Minister for Climate Change Senator Sherry Rehman said we must act now to stop deforestation and save our forests, especially in Pakistan. She said over the last 30 years, we have lost a staggering 420 million hectares, some 10.34%, of Forest area. Sherry Rehman said we must urgently recognize the critical role forests play in our planet’s health.