Thousands hug trees in Nepal in world record attempt

Over 2,500 people, including lawmakers, students and Buddhist monks, attempted to set a new world record for the largest tree hug to mark the World Environment Day here in the Nepalese capital today.
"Our goal is to set a new world record and at the same time spread the message about conservation of trees," said Thaneswor Guragai, coordinator of the event organised at National Martyrs and Peace Park in Gokarna on the outskirts of Kathmandu.
During the event, also meant to spread awareness about the importance of trees, participants held trees as volunteers beat drums.
More than 2,500 people participated in the tree hugging event, said Nepali Congress Parliament Member Rajan KC who was among the 20 lawmakers who took part in the attempt.

The previous Guinness World Record for most people hugging trees simultaneously was 936 people in Portland in the US state of Oregon, last July.
"We have gathered here in our attempt to save the forests and make people aware that trees and forests are important for in our life," said the lawmaker.

The organisers were planning to send photos, videos of the event and a signed statement from the parliament members who took part in the event with their names to the Guinness Book of World Records, which will ultimately decide whether to recognise the feat as a new world record.

Nepal is famous for its green forest belt, which covers more than 40 per cent of the country's geographical area.
World Environment Day is celebrated every year on June 5 to raise global awareness to take positive environmental action to protect nature and the planet Earth.