IN celebration of Earth Day 2025, the Scotia Foundation has distributed 1,000 tree seedlings to Jamaicans islandwide, reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action.

The initiative, which began on Earth Day, April 22, at the Scotiabank branch in downtown Kingston, continued throughout the week at the Constant Spring and Mandeville branches, culminating at the Fairview branch on Friday.

The seedlings were provided through a partnership with the Forestry Department, in keeping with the agency’s broader effort to support reforestation and climate resilience across Jamaica.

As part of the Earth Day activities, chief executive officer of the Forestry Department Ainsley Henry delivered a virtual presentation to Scotiabank staff, focusing on the value of trees in climate change mitigation — particularly for vulnerable, small island developing states like Jamaica.

“Tree planting is one of the most impactful yet accessible tools in our climate resilience toolkit,” said Henry.

“By restoring forest cover and greening our urban spaces we’re not just reducing carbon — we’re also creating buffers against natural disasters. It is encouraging to see corporate entities like Scotiabank stepping forward to be part of this critical national effort,” added Henry.

Scotia Foundation’s Earth Day initiative is part of Scotia Group’s environmental responsibility strategy which seeks to engage staff, customers, and communities in sustainable practices.

“Our team was proud to support the Forestry Department’s reforestation goals through this seedling distribution campaign,” said Yanique Forbes Patrick, vice-president of public affairs and communications at Scotia Group.

“We recognise that climate change is not just an environmental issue, it’s an economic one too. Financial institutions have a role to play in protecting our shared future and tree planting is a powerful place to start,” added Forbes.

This year’s theme for Earth Day was ‘Our Power, Our Planet’.