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Thousands hug trees in world record bid
More than 2,000 people, mostly students wearing their school uniforms, gathered in Nepalâs capital on Thursday in a bid to set a world record for the largest tree hug
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ore than 2,000 people, mostly students wearing their school uniforms, gathered in Nepal's capital on Thursday in a bid to set a world record for the largest tree hug.
Parliament members, office workers and even Buddhist monks also took part in the attempt, joining the students at a park on the outskirts of Kathmandu. The participants said they were trying to set the record to celebrate World Environment Day by spreading awareness about the importance of trees.
'Our goal is to set a new world record and at the same time spread the message that trees are important for the environment and everyone,' said Thaneswor Guragai, who coordinated the event.
The previous Guinness World Record for most people hugging trees simultaneously was 936 people in Portland, Oregon, last July.
Participants on Thursday held trees for two minutes as volunteers beat drums at the National Martyrs and Peace Park, on the northeast edge of Kathmandu.
'We are gathered here in our attempt to save the forests and make people aware that trees and forests are important for human civilization,' said Rajan KC, who was among the 20 parliament members hugging the trees and monitoring the event.
One of the participating students, ninth-grader Ganga Pandit, said she had planted samplings in the past but felt it was important to join the campaign to save existing trees.
