Volunteers tackle climate woes one tree at a time

More than 50 volunteers converged at the Dunn's River Watershed in Bogue Estate, St Ann, to plant 300 trees in celebration of World Earth Day on Tuesday.

The initiative, jointly spearheaded by the Sandals Foundation, Forestry Department and Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), highlighted the vital importance of conservation in safeguarding the island's natural environment and bolstering its tourism industry.

The volunteers, including 35 team members from Sandals and Beaches Resorts and 20 JFB firefighters, planted Blue Mahoe, Jamaica's national tree, Cedar and Bitter Damsel seedlings.

These trees were chosen for their adaptability and significance to the local ecosystem.

Forest manager at the Forestry Department's Northwestern Region Office, Ian Wallace, said the exercise not only honoured the environment, but also emphasised the critical role of conservation within Jamaica's forest reserves.

"Earth Day reminds us of what the environment gives to us and why we must protect it. Bogue II is a 455-hectare forest reserve, used exclusively for conservation and education. Activities like these help to maintain the forest's pristine condition while engaging the public in environmental stewardship," he said.

Wallace warned against the illegal removal of trees, emphasising the potential long-term damage to tourism, water security and biodiversity.

"It is important for us to be mindful that whatever happens here in a negative way will impact the coastline very shortly. So it is important for us to understand that negative activities inland will affect the tourism product," he underscored.