National Tree Planting Day was geared towards a plan which outlines the country’s strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and seeks to mitigate the effects of climate change, was officially launched in September by the Ministry of Climate Change. Among the strategies, planting trees.

For National Tree Planting Day CVM Live was able to share in some of the day’s events in Kingston and Hanover as stakeholders played their part in preserving the environment.

The day’s events also build momentum in reaching the goal of planting 3 million trees in three years.  An initiative started in 2019 which is on track according to Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. The Minister noted that there have been some challenges due to COVID-19, as interaction with schools and students is limited, but noted that more 700,000 seedlings that have been distributed and planted.

Eighteen trees were planted at Jamaica College and free seedling were available at the Texaco gas station at  Molynes road in Kingston. Meanwhile at the Hanover Parish Library; Ackee, Cherry, Coconut and Mango trees were planted by the NSWMA.

Forestry Department CEO, Ainsley Henry charges Jamaicans to get in on the initiative to preserve ecosystems and fight climate change.

More in this CVM Live story from Jhanielle Powell: