The first day of three-day World Wood Day programme kicked off on Monday to highlight the importance of wood as a valuable asset to the society for its importance as a cultural, eco-friendly and renewable biomaterial, all contributing towards sustainable future.

The Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation and the International Wood Culture Society are jointly organising the programme for the first time in Nepal this year, themed ‘Nature and Culture’.

Addressing the inaugural session on Monday, President Bidhya Devi Bhandari said sustainable utilisation of forest products and other resources through sustainable management of forests is crucial for socio-economic development of the country.

“Forests and its wood-based products along with non-timber resources are vital for various eco-system services such as water, clean air and most importantly, its sustainable management helps in empowerment of millions of populations dependent on forests for their livelihoods”, she said.

Deforestation and forest degradation by human activities is a big challenge for Nepal’s forestry sector, compounded by the climate change, Bhandari added, “We need to encourage the practice of planting trees in every major life event that takes place in one’s life, starting from birth to promote forest conservation,”.

The inaugural session also showcased cultural performances from artists who used wood-based instruments and forest products, from the countries ranging from Russia, Egypt, Benin, Iran, Kazakasthan, Peru, China and Switzerland.