Philippines New Law Asks Students to Plant 10 Trees If They Want to Graduate
According to the new environmental bill passed by the House of Representatives, around 525 billion trees could be planted over the course of one generation.
The Philippines have introduced a new law that requires all elementary school, high school and college students to plant a minimum of 10 trees before they graduate. According to the new environmental bill passed by the House of Representatives, around 525 billion trees could be planted over the course of one generation. MADGALO representative Gay Alejano wrote on the bill's explanatory note, "With over 12 million students graduating from elementary and nearly five million students graduating from high school and almost 500,000 graduating from college each year, this initiative, if properly implemented, will ensure that at least 175 million new trees would be planted each year." Forest Land in India: With 24.4% of Area Under Tree Cover, Nation Ranks 10th in The World.
It adds, "In the course of one generation, no less than 525 billion can be planted under this initiative." He further added that even with the survival rate of only 10 percent, an additional 525 million trees would be available "for the youth to enjoy when they assume the mantle of leadership in the future".
According to CNN's Philippines news service, more trees will be planted in mangroves, existing forests, some protected areas, military ranges, abandoned mining sites and selected urban areas. These trees must be planted according to the location, climate and topography of the areas. Indigenous tree species will be given preference. Did You Know It's Illegal to Thrust Nail on Trees in India? 'Nail Free Tree' Campaign Removes 5,600 Nails From 2,000 Trees in 1 Year.
The bill will be brought into effect with the country's Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education. The Philippines is among countries severely affected by deforestation. In the 20 century alone, the total forest cover has dropped from 70 percent to just 20 percent. Lesser number of trees in some areas has resulted in an increase in risk and the impacts of floods and landslides.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 29, 2019 05:35 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).