.jpg)
KINARUT: The Safoda Eco Forest Park here held a tree-planting ceremony on Tuesday in conjunction with the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies.
The event brought together students, educators and representatives from Japan and Sabah to raise awareness of clean air and forest conservation.
The programme was sponsored by the Japanese community through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as part of its continued support for environmental conservation, education and community engagement in Sabah.
Those present included JICA representative Hiroshi Asai, Professor Dr Masami Kaneko, Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV), lecturers, teachers and representatives from participating educational institutions.
Students from Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Institut Kemahiran Belia Negara, SMK Kinarut Papar and Sekolah Pendidikan Khas Putatan took part in the tree-planting activity.
The initiative was held as Sabah, along with Sarawak, continues to experience haze, highlighting the importance of protecting forests, preventing forest fires and maintaining a healthy environment.
Safoda Eco Forest Park Manager Sonetha Sining, speaking on behalf of the Safoda General Manager, said the significance of the activity went beyond simply planting trees.
“The tree we plant today may not solve the haze problem tomorrow, but protecting and restoring our forests is an important step towards cleaner air and a healthier environment for the future,” she said.
She said continued care and protection of the trees and surrounding forests were equally important after the planting activity.
The programme also highlighted cooperation between Sabah and Japan in environmental conservation through knowledge exchange, technical cooperation, environmental education and volunteer involvement.
The organisers hoped the trees planted would grow as a symbol of cooperation and a shared commitment towards cleaner air, healthier forests and a better future for the next generation.