University plants 200 trees to mark environment day

The National National
From left: Western Pacific University students Lyn Toubu and Samantha Aiap, about to make their contribution by planting the eucalyptus deglupta trees.

WESTERN Pacific University students have observed its second World Environment Day by planting 200 trees on the school campus, according to the university.
Mt Hagen branch forester and the Pacific retired academic, Neville Howcroft, described the paper bark and eucalyptus deglupta trees as the tallest trees known in the world.
“The pine family are the home and substances of birds and in some places small animals as in Western and Australia,” he said.
“Paper bark trees are highly valued for their medicinal oil such as that which has been commercialised in East New Britain.”
He said it was known as a rainbow gum and its timber was useful for wood chip products.
According to the university, this was the second year of its existence and the second World Environment Day celebrations.
The event started with a panel discussion on ‘why environmental sustainability matters for a new university like WPU?’
The panel participants included the staff and students.
This was followed by a clean-a-thon to end the celebrations.
The university thanked BSP Financial Group Ltd for the donation of T-shirts, gloves and rubbish bags and also City Pharmacy Ltd, Mt Hagen branch, for the donation of water bottles and masks.