Taipei, March 12 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian planted a sapling of a rare indigenous plant species at the National Institute of Education in Taipei County Wednesday to celebrate Arbor Day.
Addressing the tree-planting ceremony organized by the Taiwan Forestry Bureau to mark March 12 Arbor Day, Chen said the occasion was designed not only to remember Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the Republic of China's national founding father, but also to remind the people of the importance of preserving natural ecology and resources.
To signify its determination to protect Taiwan's natural environment and beautify the island's landscape, Chen went on, the government has expanded Arbor Day celebrations into a month-long afforestation campaign.
Chen urged the public to join forces with the government in promoting the afforestation campaign by planting saplings, trees and flowers in their courtyards, school campuses, community parks and other public places.
During the ceremony, Chen planted a Lanyu Maki, a rare fir species endemic to Lanyu, also known as Orchid Island, located some 42 nautical miles off Taiwan's southeastern coast.