TWO individuals and two organisations have been designated Forest Heroes by the Forestry Department for outstanding contribution to increasing, conserving and protecting Jamaica’s forests.

They are Dalkeith Hanna, Petre Williams-Raynor, The Dolphin Head Local Forest Management Committee, and the Lions Club of Mona.

Hanna was awarded in the category of Private Forestry for his pioneering work in the establishment of a world-class forestry plantation in Mandeville, which showcases a mix of forestry systems, including agro-forestry, private planting and eco-tourism. Williams-Raynor was awarded in the category of Media and Communication for her dedicated coverage of issues relating to the environment, particularly the forestry sector.

The Dolphin Head Local Forest Management Committee got its prize in the category of Community-based Organisation for its efforts which have resulted in the community using the forests for more sustainable livelihood projects, including an apiary and a live botanical museum; while the Lions Club of Mona was awarded in the category of Non- Governmental Organisation for being the only service club to date that has invested significant amounts of money and time towards reforestation and has so far successfully restored 65 hectares or over 160 acres of forest cover in the Blue Mountains.

The designations were made at the inaugural Forest Heroes Awards last Thursday at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston, and formed part of the Forestry Department’s celebration of its 75th anniversary.

“The bestowal of the awards is the agency’s ultimate recognition of the work of individuals and groups whose efforts lead to positive change in forests and forestry,” the department said in a release to the media.

Robert Pickersgill, minister of water land, environment and climate change in addressing the awardees, praised them for recognising the value of forests and for the work they have contributed to its development. He also urged others to emulate the heroes.

“To the recipients, I say, you are an inspiration to us all, and I encourage you to continue to lead by your own excellent example and in addition, strive to involve your families, your friends, your colleagues, and your communities to join you in your efforts to preserve and protect our forests,” he said.

Speaking to the value of forests, the minister described trees as “the lungs of the planet” and said the loss of forests was a “clear and present danger” to the survival of human beings.

“I know that you are aware more than many, that our forests are directly related to our livelihoods as they provide medicines, animals, wood, water, and almost every natural object around us. Everything we do and eat has a link to our forests and trees. The destruction of our forests therefore means that we are heading for a natural disaster.

“Indeed, trees are the lungs of our planet. They help to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, while producing life-giving oxygen so, when we destroy our forests, we progressively reduce our ability to breathe,” he said.

“Moreover, carbon dioxide is one of the so-called greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming and climate change, so by destroying our forests, we exacerbate climate change and its impacts including sea level rise, increasingly intense storms, protracted periods of drought and other intense weather phenomena,” said Pickersgill.

Denise Forrest from the Lions Club of Mona, who responded on behalf of the awardees said they were extremely proud and grateful for the recognition of the work that they have done and that it will certainly encourage them to do more to continue to spread the message of forest conservation and protection.