The Chief Executive, Mr Ho Iat Seng, today planted local-variety Machilus chinensis trees at Small Taipa Hill, with the aim of spurring the Macao public to treasure nature.

The tree planting demonstrates the Government’s commitment to the protection of Macao’s environment. It is hoped the tree-planting occasion by Government officials with promote further the importance of respect for nature.

A 3-metre high Machilus chinensis tree planted by Mr Ho bears an engraving expressing the aspiration that Macao and the country be closely tied – as is a tree and its branches – in the pursuit of prosperity and the realisation of the Chinese Dream.

The trees planted by Mr Ho are adjacent to the same species of tree planted respectively at the exercise area known as Taipa Pequena 2000 Circuit by the two former chief executives of Macao, Mr Ho Hau Wah and Mr Chui Sai On.

Machilus chinensis is one of only a few local-variety tree species in Macao. It is one of the longest-living trees to be found in southern China. It is characteristically tall, straight and elegant in shape, with brightly-coloured leaves and flower buds. The species is not widely present in the general landscape but is considered excellent for supporting ecological balance in an area.  

Mr Ho was accompanied during Saturday’s tree-planting activity by the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Mr Cheong Weng Chon; the Chairman of the Administration Committee on Municipal Affairs of the Municipal Affairs Bureau, Mr Jose Maria da Fonseca Tavares; and the Chairman of the Consultative Committee on Municipal Affairs of the Municipal Affairs Bureau, Mr António José Dias Azedo.