International Day of Forests: 300 trees planted at Arsenal Jogging Track

GIS – 23 March 2026:

In observance of the International Day of Forests, commemorated annually on 21 March, a tree-planting initiative was held today at the Arsenal Jogging Track. During the activity, a total of 300 saplings were planted as part of ongoing efforts to promote environmental sustainability. In line with this initiative, the existing jogging track at Arsenal has been upgraded to improve accessibility for the public.

This programme, spearheaded by the Mauritius Telecom (MT) Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, and supported by the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change and the Ministry of Local Government, underscores a strong commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable land management.

The planting exercise was attended by the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Dr Arvin Boolell; the Minister of Local Government, Mr Ranjiv Woochit; the Junior Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Mr Gilles Fabrice David; the Junior Minister of Local Government, Mr Mohammad Fawzi Allymun; Member of Parliament, Mr Kaviraj Rookny; and the Chief Executive Officer of MT, Mr Veemal Gungadin. Community representatives and students from Arsenal Government School also participated in the activity.

Minister Boolell commended the MT Foundation for its engagement in enhancing and preserving the natural environment. He underscored the importance of fostering a culture of self-sufficiency, encouraging citizens to “produce what they eat and eat what they produce,” while also highlighting the need to support local planters, particularly in boosting bagasse production.

For his part, Minister Woochit, urged residents to make full use of the upgraded jogging track, emphasising the Government’s commitment to improving community infrastructure and promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Junior Ministers David and Allymun, reiterated the importance of such programmes in safeguarding forests, protecting biodiversity, and addressing environmental challenges.

Member of Parliament, Mr Rookny, expressed hope that similar activities would be replicated across other regions of the country, thereby amplifying their positive environmental impact.

As for CEO Gungadin, he highlighted MT’s core commitment to environmental stewardship, adding that the planted area will be monitored on a quarterly basis to ensure the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the programme.

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Topics: Agriculture, Environment