Jamaica: PM Andrew Holness celebrates National Tree Planting Day

Jamaica: Prime Minister of Jamaica – Andrew Holness, along with the general public of the country, marked the National Tree Planting Day. The day was celebrated under the National Tree Planting Initiative, which was commenced on the October 2019 by PM Andrew Holness.

The main aim behind this initiative was to increase the forest cover by the process of reforestation, which will also support the national development in the most climate-change affected areas. Additionally, it will contribute in the establishment of high value urban green spaces islandwide.

While celebrating and planting the seedlings, PM Andrew Holness stated, “Today we celebrate National Tree Planting Day! We remain committed to the National Tree Planting Initiative through which we are planting three million trees representing each citizen of Jamaica.”

He continued, “Trees are an important part of nature, not just for the beauty and aesthetics but for practical reasons such as preventing land slippage, supplying us with food and providing a habitat for many birds and other animals. We must maintain the trees as they maintain us. Plant a tree today!”

The Forestry Department of Jamaica monitors the initiative and makes sure that it is properly implemented across the country. The department also carries out various activities which helps in actual working. The activities undertaken are:

• Reforestation will be done via the production of 1.7 million seedlings, including native species and tree planting will be conducted by the Forestry Department.
• Production and plantation of 1.3 million seedlings, with the help of partnerships.
• Surveying proper and suitable lands for plantation and reforestation. Parks, roadways and thoroughfares will be established within major towns.
• Department will closely monitor the maintenance of seedlings planted, across the island country.
• As of September 2022, the government has planted and distributed 1,439,042 tress, which has helped in 9,354 tons of CO2 absorbed.