The Forestry Department is urging Jamaicans to plant trees in order to reap the benefits they provide in helping to sustain life. This is in observance of National Tree Planting Day 2016 on Friday, October 7, under the theme, ‘Trees Today, Trees Tomorrow, Trees for Life’.

Chief Executive Officer and Conservator of Forests, Ms. Marilyn Headley, says the theme is aimed at highlighting the role that trees play in the everyday lives of people. “From the air we breathe, to the water we drink, trees play a very important role in our lives and we are hoping that persons will start recognizing this and start valuing trees by not cutting them down and by engaging in tree planting activities not only on National Tree Planting Day but throughout the year, particularly during our rainy seasons” she said.

Persons are being encouraged to visit the Agency’s nurseries to collect their seedlings and to also look out for the Forestry Department team in town centres across the island to get free seedlings. “In addition to distribution at our nurseries, we will be going to central locations across the island to give away seedlings as over the years persons have expressed interest in participating in tree planting exercises but cited difficulties in coming to us to collect seedlings. So we are going to them to facilitate the participation of more Jamaicans in this important activity,” Ms. Headley said.

In the meantime, the official ceremony will take place at the Mount Alvernia High School in Montego Bay, St. James. “The Mount Alvernia family is pleased to host the official ceremony for the 2016 National Tree Planting Day, as this exercise will foster environmental stewardship, among our young ladies, by enabling them to become more aware of the role they can play in protecting our environment. The experience will ultimately assist them in making keen decisions about conservation and appropriate use of our valuable, natural resources,” Principal of the institution, Mrs. Stacey Reynolds, said.

In addition to the official ceremony, Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, will be planting trees at Penwood High School, Dupont Primary and Infant School and Seaward Primary and Junior High School, Kingston. In addition, there will smaller ceremonies and planting exercises at Teamwork Academy, Montego Bay; Munroe College, St. Elizabeth; Charles Chin Loy Basic School, Kingston; Moneague Primary, St. Ann; Buff Bay and Happy Grove High schools, Portland; Port Maria Primary, and Oracabessa High schools, St. Mary; and Kingston High in partnership with the Office of the Contractor General.

Distribution of seedlings for National Tree Planting Day started on September 19 and will continue until Friday, October 14. However, there will be no distribution today to facilitate the various tree planting exercises taking place across the country.