ONE million trees are to be planted over the next four years under the navel string project being undertaken by SCJ Holdings Limited (SCJH).

The project was launched yesterday at the National Water Commission’s Artificial Ground Water Aquifer Recharge Facility, located on Old Harbour Road in St Catherine.

Several ministries and agencies as well as neighbouring schools participated.

Representatives from the Forestry Department; Social Development Commission; National Environment and Planning Agency; the Jamaica 4-H Clubs, were among other stakeholders in attendance.

The tree-planting project aims to, among other things, increase local food production; providing a source of fruits to boost agro-processing; provide employment and culture change in schools and communities; reduce the country’s carbon footprint; increase the country’s stock of lumber trees; protect water sheds; and supporting the national climate change initiative.

SCJH will be engaging a number of youth clubs, schools, civic organisations and communities in the process.

The tree-planting initiative is expected to generate consideration from other organisations that will sustain the project. Educational programmes are to be carried out to inform the public about the initiative and how they can get involved.