Newsroom
OSCE helps plant trees in Tajikistan's rural areas to prevent land degradation
DUSHANBE 14 December 2007
DUSHANBE, 14 December 2007 -Twenty thousand trees were planted in the Rasht Valley, Khatlon region and Hisar district of Tajikistan this week, as part of an OSCE-organized environmental action aimed at preventing the erosion of rural lands.
The activities involved around 8,400 local people.
"Not many people in the area realize that avalanches and mudslides are the result of the cutting of trees and bushes on the mountain slopes. It is extremely important to show the local population that land degradation can be prevented by planting trees, especially in areas most affected by erosion," said Saulius Smalys, OSCE Environmental Officer.
Abduvohit Karimov, the Deputy Agriculture Minister of Tajikistan, added: "Raw silk is developed in the Khatlon district and the best food for silk moths is mulberry leafs. That is why, the mulberry trees chosen to be planted in Khatlon bring triple benefit - they save the lands from erosion and provide food for silk moths, while people can enjoy the berries."
Every year Tajikistan loses 50,000 ha of productive land because of erosion. This is a serious threat to the economy of the country, as 93 per cent of its territory is covered by mountains, and to the local population which is affected by natural disasters.
The activities involved around 8,400 local people.
"Not many people in the area realize that avalanches and mudslides are the result of the cutting of trees and bushes on the mountain slopes. It is extremely important to show the local population that land degradation can be prevented by planting trees, especially in areas most affected by erosion," said Saulius Smalys, OSCE Environmental Officer.
Abduvohit Karimov, the Deputy Agriculture Minister of Tajikistan, added: "Raw silk is developed in the Khatlon district and the best food for silk moths is mulberry leafs. That is why, the mulberry trees chosen to be planted in Khatlon bring triple benefit - they save the lands from erosion and provide food for silk moths, while people can enjoy the berries."
Every year Tajikistan loses 50,000 ha of productive land because of erosion. This is a serious threat to the economy of the country, as 93 per cent of its territory is covered by mountains, and to the local population which is affected by natural disasters.