Afforestation programmes taken up by the Kerala government in the last four years have received United Nations' recognition.
The programmes, implemented by the forest department like 'Ente Maram Padhathi' (My Tree Scheme), 'Haritha Keralam' (Greening Kerala), 'Haritha Theeram' (Greening the Coast Programme), 'Vazhiyorathanal Thanal' (Road-Side Planting of
Shady Trees) have been appreciated for its effective implementation by the world body.
As part of the programmes, a total of 1.87 crore saplings were distributed and planted in non-forest lands across the state contributing under the 'Plant for the Planet - Billion
Tree Campaign' of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, T M Manoharan said that Forest minister Binoy Viswam would be honoured by the world body, which would present him a certificate for the support and effective management of the initiatives in the
south Indian state of Kerala.
"It is the first time that the state has received such an international recognition," Manoharan said.
While about 68 lakh seedlings were planted and managed under the 'My Tree Programme', around 1.47 lakh seedlings were planted under the 'Road-Side Planting of Shade Trees' project during the period 2007-2010, he said.