NEWS RELEASE

APRIL 26 2007

“Plant for the Planet”

Can one million trees be planted in New Zealand during 2007? The Trees for Survival Trust is sure they can and has taken on the task of encouraging all New Zealanders to join them in planting one million trees this calendar year.

Why? The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has an objective of planting one billion trees throughout the world in 2007. As the Kiwi contribution to the world-wide effort, the Trust is coordinating the campaign to plant and care for at least one million trees.

The proposal to get involved in the campaign came from a suggestion by Rotary International President Bill Boyd. Involved in the New Zealand Trees for Survival Trust from its beginning with the Rotary Club of Pakuranga, Bill says the value of planting trees is well documented. "Despite our clean and green image on the world stage, New Zealand needs more trees and we hope that this campaign will go some way towards addressing the issue."

"Through Trees for Survival we are offering not only an environmental focus but also an invaluable educational tool for our young people," he said.

Rotary and other service clubs throughout the country are being urged to assist schools and their communities to become involved in achieving the goal. Arbor Day on June 5 and Conservation Week from August 6 - 12 will be focuses for the 'Plant for the Planet' message.

The coordinator for the Billion Tree Campaign in New Zealand, David English, says a website provides information on the New Zealand pledge to plant one million trees.

"People who wish to support the initiative can email to become involved. The campaign is open to all individuals, children and youth groups, schools, community groups, farmers, private sector organisations and local authorities. Each pledge can be for a single tree to many thousands, " he added.

The campaign is seeking to enlist the support of the nursery and garden industry in the supply of trees to enable the campaign to reach its goal.

"Pledges from around the world in support of the campaign now exceed 800 million trees," says David. "UNEP says favourable growing conditions give nations in the Southern Hemisphere an advantage over most countries when it comes to growing trees, so we are sure of reaching and sustaining our target.

"Now is a great time to highlight the need to revegetate our country and we hope this campaign will educate our young people on the value of trees in our environment. Their aesthetics, their part in the prevention of erosion and in improving stream water quality, in creating new habitats as well as their role as carbon sinks emphasises the need to plant more trees.

"The Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign encourages planting in all areas, whether rural or urban, school grounds or community parks and of trees, not just natives, that are well adapted to local conditions. Councils throughout the country have been very supportive of this campaign, so the process is well under way," he said.

Information on the UNEP programme can be found on the website

Ends