Already 2.7 Million trees planted under national initiative

Jamaica is on target in fulfilling its national initiative to plant three million trees by 2023.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Forestry Department and Conservator of Forests, Ainsley Henry is confident that the three million trees initiative, which was announced by Prime Minister, Andrew Holness in 2019 with an initial target of three years will be met. So far a total of 2.7 million trees have already been planted under a national initiative with Henry telling NNN’s “At your service” programme that the remaining 300,000 trees are to be planted by year-end.

He hinted at the distinct possibility that more trees would have been planted but not counted, as they would not have been registered under this initiative. With National Tree Planting Day coming up next month, the Forestry Department CEO advised that there will be a mass distribution of trees at the Department’s facilities with an aim of planting 100,000 of them. 

During this period individuals could apply upwards of 5-10 young plants and seedlings to be planted under the national tree planting initiative. Henry told the media house that “with a severe drought in the middle of the year, it’s been a little challenging, and it didn’t help that when we got started it was the beginning of COVID”. 

Nonetheless, he is encouraging Jamaicans to play their part in reaching the new deadline set by the Prime Minister. Pointing out that trees are recognised as one of the most important elements in combatting climate change, the Conservator of Forests noted that the initiative is one that “every single person has the ability or opportunity to do. If you haven’t planted a tree, I encourage you to plant a tree.” 

He is also encouraging people to plant varieties of trees that are suitable for their space, which can also be acquired at the Forestry Department. The Forestry Department CEO made the point, “There are three million of us on this little rock. So if every single Jamaican goes out tomorrow and plants a tree, not only will we hit the target but we will surpass it… Double it in fact. So that’s what we are encouraging.” 

On the matter of how the trees planted are being accounted for, Mr Henry told programme host Nora-Gay Banton, “We also have an app, it’s called the 876 Trees app, that you can download and you can report and record the trees that you’ve planted, how they’re doing, [and] you can get advice on tree planting and so on.” 

Additionally, there is a form on the Forestry Department’s website where persons can enter the relevant information. He offered words of advice to Jamaicans who will participate in the exercise, stating, “it’s important to note that just like any other child, any other young thing, when they are planted as seedlings, they need to be cared for in order for them to become strong, healthy and productive trees.”