KENDARI, MITRANUSANTARA.ID– Delegates participating in the United Cities and Local Governments Asia Pacific (UCLG ASPAC) 2026 planted trees at the Kendari Botanical Garden on Thursday (May 7, 2026), marking a shared commitment to environmental preservation and sustainable urban development across the Asia-Pacific region.
The tree-planting activity was held amid rainy weather, yet delegates and officials remained enthusiastic throughout the event. The program symbolized collective efforts by cities and local governments to address climate change and strengthen environmental resilience.
The activity began with the signing of a commemorative plaque for the construction of the UCLG ASPAC monument by UCLG ASPAC Secretary General Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, Southeast Sulawesi Vice Governor Hugua, and Kendari Mayor Siska Karina Imran.
Following the signing ceremony, Mayor Siska handed over tree seedlings to the Secretary General of UCLG ASPAC as a symbolic gesture marking the start of the environmental initiative. The Vice Governor of Southeast Sulawesi also presented seedlings before delegates jointly planted various local tree species.
The seedlings planted included endemic and local species such as ebony wood, ruruhi, langsat wood, and lobe-lobe trees, all known for their ecological value and contribution to biodiversity conservation.
In her remarks, Kendari Mayor Siska Karina Imran emphasized that climate change remains a global challenge requiring collective action from cities worldwide.
“As the host of this international event, Kendari City is committed to continuously advancing sustainable development that is in harmony with environmental preservation,” she stated.
She explained that the Kendari Botanical Garden serves not only as a biodiversity conservation center but also as a green open space providing ecological, social, and economic benefits to the community.
According to the mayor, the participation of international delegates in the tree-planting activity symbolized global friendship and a shared responsibility to protect the planet for future generations.
“This activity reflects our collective commitment and shared responsibility in safeguarding environmental sustainability,” she added.
Meanwhile, UCLG ASPAC Secretary General Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi expressed her appreciation for the warm hospitality shown by the people and government of Kendari to international delegates attending the forum.
She noted that tree planting has become a tradition in every UCLG ASPAC event as a simple yet meaningful environmental campaign.
“Planting trees is a simple action that everyone can do. It carries a powerful message that we care not only for people but also for our environment and our planet,” Bernadia said.
She also highlighted the importance of preserving green open spaces in urban areas, which are increasingly declining in many cities across the Asia-Pacific region.
According to her, future urban development must prioritize collaboration, sustainability, and stronger environmental ecosystems to improve people’s quality of life.
“We want to create greener, more resilient cities that bring greater happiness to communities,” she added.
The tree-planting event became one of the key activities in the UCLG ASPAC 2026 series in Kendari. Beyond strengthening international cooperation, the initiative also showcased Kendari’s commitment to environmental sustainability and green urban development on the global stage.
Writer: Sumarlin
