‘Invest In Our Planet’ - Jamaicans urged to play part in protecting Mother Earth

Senator Matthew Samuda, minister without portfolio in the ministry of economic growth and job creation, will today lead a group of social media influencers on a hike to the Blue Mountain Forest Reserve.

The hike, which will culminate in a tree-planting exercise, is part of Earth Day activities. This year's theme is Invest In Our Planet.

The hike will be attended by social media influencers Kareem BwoyATingz, Tanaania Tracey, Kristia 'My Repeat Offender' Franklin, Keticia 'TC' Chatman, Aamir 'Bwoizy' Cunningham, Jehneel Adamson, Russhaine "Dutty Berry" Berry and Basillia Barnaby-Cuff.

Earth Day is an annual event celebrated around the world on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. It was first celebrated in 1970 and now includes events in more than 193 countries.

Political and civic and business groups have thrown their full support behind this year's quest to preserve the planet.

Senator Sophia Frazer Binns, the opposition spokesperson on Land Environment and Climate Change, said that Jamaica is facing an existential threat evidenced in the eroded shorelines, water scarcity, food insecurity, severe flooding, more frequent and intense hurricanes, and prolonged periods of drought.

"We must invest in an islandwide reforestation, rebuilding shorelines, undertaking sustainable agriculture, embarking on green buildings, and enforcing and modernising environmental laws to stave off further damage to the environment," Frazer Binns said.

"Let us invest in national climate education campaigns, invest in eco-friendly practices, teach our rural folks best practices that are environmentally friendly, invest in modern decisive laws to protect the environment and engage in environmental cost benefit analyses for all national development projects," she added.

As part of Earth Day activities, the Jamaica Environment Trust will be hosting a beach clean-up at the Palisadoes Go-Kart Track on Saturday.

Additionally, the Sandals Foundation is expanding its conservation goal by adding another 10,000 trees to strengthen the Caribbean's climate resilience and food security.

"The environment around us is not only our home, but everything that keeps us alive," said Heidi Clarke, executive director of Sandals Foundation.

"Investing in the long-term viability of these natural environments will help to strengthen the many ecosystems that are critical for providing food, water, and protecting our communities and livelihoods, improving the way of life in the region for locals and tourists alike to enjoy."