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KABUL, Afghanistan - “These trees are representative of the future, of the new year, and in many ways of our partnership as we work together toward a common and prosperous future,” said U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Harold Pittman, director chief of staff, International Security Assistance Force Communications, during a ceremonial planting at the Taap-e-Maranjan (King’s Tomb) in Kabul, Afghanistan, Tuesday.
The Afghanistan government is accepting assistance from ISAF to plan, coordinate, and carry out Nowruz celebrations around the country as a definitive sign of the continuing commitment and devotion to promoting the ongoing development of peace, progress, and prosperity throughout Afghanistan.
“Today, by helping to change Kabul we are helping to change the country. We will be planting a message of hope for a bright future and a better quality of life,” said Gen. David Petraeus, commander, International Security Assistance Force/U.S. Forces-Afghanistan, during the initial tree planting ceremony, March 6.
Trees planted during the Nowruz are being purchased from Afghan local markets and bazaars with a goal to plant trees native to the area capable of thriving in Afghanistan.
Currently, forest cover in Afghanistan account for only two percent of its land. When considering conservation and environmental factors, forests should cover at least five percent.
“The Embassy is working with the Ministry of Agriculture to build a comprehensive forest conservation program,” said U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl Eikenberry. “This program will address the Pine Cedar forests in eastern Afghanistan stretching all the way to the Pistachio forests of the west.”
| Date Taken: | 03.15.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 03.16.2011 06:18 |
| Story ID: | 67152 |
| Location: | KABUL, AF |
| Web Views: | 348 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Reforesting Afghanistan top priority with 420,000 trees, by SSgt Jordan Jones, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
