Every small action matters because when 7.7 billion people make a gesture, it changes the world. Trees have many important functions: firstly, they are carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and giving off oxygen. Trees also reduce the amount of stormwater runoff, which reduces erosion and pollution in our waterways and may reduce the effects of flooding. In addition, many species of wildlife depend on trees for their habitat—trees provide food, protection, and homes for many birds and mammals. So, it is important to plant trees to sustain the existence of life on earth.

 

On 29th October 2022, the G17 University Ambassadors of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura gave their contribution to the Tree for Life campaign conducted parallel to the SDG Week, joining hands with the United Nations and the G17 Global Fraternity. This was to ensure that we advocate the message on a broader scale and act as dedicated and passionate G17 Ambassadors.

 

The ambassadors of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura have actively engaged in the campaign by planting trees individually at their homes as well as a collective group in the university premises. For the ambassadors’ individual tree plantations, they have mainly selected plant species like mango, “Karanda”, “Gan Sooriya”, mangroves and a few other species that also have a botanical value of creating a micro-environmental cape around them, providing habitats with many important organisms. The species they planted on a land area near the university premises, located on Rabarwatte Road, Wijerama Junction, were “Kalaa Pera”, “Rambutan”, “Pani Dodam” and “Karada”. 

 

Our environment is important for us not only locally but also globally as well. So, the tree is a symbol that reminds us of nature and the importance of climate and environmental protection. It also symbolizes our cooperation between people and the environment. Let’s mark trees as symbols of harmony and compassion, then grow together with our trees towards a better future.