International Day of Forests

The theme for this year’s iconic environmental event focused on “Forests and Energy”, namely biofuels as an alternative to fossil fuels.

Leveraging from this theme, the EMA’s National Restoration, Carbon Sequestration, Wildlife and Livelihoods Project (NRCSWLP) initiated a call to action through a tree planting and distribution exercise with the staff at the EMA, schools and community groups affiliated with the project.

This activity underscores the need for increasing forested areas/spaces, and calls for people to take action by planting trees in their communities, homes, or other public spaces. Fruit trees were distributed with a dual purpose in mind –a reminder of our need to equally increase our local food production, as well as, to increase our green spaces, said a media release.

In addition to this activity, on March 10 the NRCSWLP facilitated a community exchange session between the Fondes Amandes Community Restoration Project, and pupils of the Biche RC Primary School and Plum Mitan Presbyterian School.

One of the tenets of this project includes “sharing experiences”, and this partnership will increase awareness on forestry practices among these pupils.

EMA’s managing director Hayden Romano called for citizens to become more proactive in forest conservation efforts, through educational and advocacy avenues. Romano said in the release: “Planting trees is a symbol of our commitment to our future generations.

We must secure the continuity of our forested and green spaces and the EMA will continue to work with our strong network of environmentalists and non-governmental organisations to fulfil this commitment.”