3 Facts about the National Tree Planting Initiative
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What is the National Tree Planting Initiative?
The National Tree Planting Initiative to plant three million trees in three years was launched by the Most Honourable Prime Minister Andrew Holness on October 4, 2019. The objective of the Initiative is to support national development in the areas of climate change and reforestation efforts to increase forest cover and establish high value urban green spaces for all Jamaicans.
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What are the activities under the Initiative?
The Forestry Department is leading the implementation of the initiative. The activities to be undertaken include:
- The identification of suitable lands for reforestation/ planting, including parks, roadways and thoroughfares within major towns.
- The production of 1.7 million seedlings, including native species, for use in reforestation and tree planting conducted by the Forestry Department.
- Through partnerships, produce and plant 1.3 million seedlings.
- Follow-up to ensure the maintenance of seedlings planted.
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How can I participate?
You may visit any of the Forestry Department’s nurseries to collect up to 10 select ornamental and select timber seedlings.
If you intend to plant more than 10 trees or doing your activity as a community/ business/ organizational project, send us an email at fdinfo@forestry.gov.jm to request the seedlings required.
All seedlings received must be maintained to ensure that they become established.
How to Get Seedlings
Seedlings can be collected at:
Head Office, 173 Constant Spring Road,
Kgn 8
Williamsfield,
Manchester
Moneague,
St. Ann (Adjacent the JDF Camp)
Learn more by contacting us at:
876-618-3205
fdinfo@forestry.gov.jm
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Dig a hole slightly wider and deeper
than the root plug or bag containing
the seedling to be planted.
Place the root plug or potted/bagged
seedling at the bottom of the hole. The
root collar should be in line with the
soil surface. Seedlings should be
planted with straight rooting system
without compromise (no
bending/twisting).
Fill the hole with the soil that was
initially removed. Press around the
roots with the soil. Make sure to water
the seedling depending on how moist
the soil is.
This is a picture of a seedling showing the root collar and root plug.
This should assist you in steps one and two.
National Tree Planting Initiative
My Tree Legacy
The #MyTreeLegacy promotion is an opportunity for Jamaicans to contribute to and participate in the Three Million Trees in Three Years, National Tree Planting Initiative (NTPI).
Recognizing the strong and vibrant school spirit that is embedded in our culture, the Agency is seeking to offer past/legacy students an opportunity to engage with their alma mater in a way that provides tangible and lasting benefits not only for current students but for future generations. The #MyTreelegacy provides this opportunity and has been gaining momentum since it was launched on February 11, 2021 at the St. Jago High School.
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Trees are an important part of our cultural heritage and so there are many gains to schools taking advantage of this opportunity.
Planting trees at schools:
- Will contribute to healthier and cleaner environment for students, teachers and administrators.
- Enhance the attractiveness of the school’s grounds.
- Provide shade for the school’s population to enjoy the beauty and bounty of nature.
- Reduce dust and air pollution.
- Is a legacy from which future generations will benefit.
- Provide an opportunity for past students to enhance learning by creating name plates and storyboards about the trees at the institutions.
Additionally, despite the covid-19 pandemic, tree planting in these spaces can be executed safely, as:
- One person is required to plant a tree.
- Trees must be planted several feet apart, thereby allowing for physical distancing.
- Tree planting does not require crowds and participation can be facilitated by persons at various stages of the activity, from planning to planting to maintenance.
Participation is simple and easy:
- Past students should reach out to their alma maters and in discussion with the schools identify spaces that they wish to plant trees.
- When the decision has been made, the schools or past students may contact the Forestry Department to access technical advice and tree seedlings for executing the activity.
- Once seedlings are collected, then planting should be done within two to three days.
The Agency requires a plan of action to ensure that the trees, once planted, are maintained.
Share Your Efforts:
Legacy students and school representatives should take photographs of their tree planting and maintenance efforts and share them on social media using the #MyTreeLegacy hashtag.
Participants can also tag the Forestry Department on the social media platforms, and the Agency will repost the pictures and note the contributions towards the successful attainment of the NTPI.
All trees planted will count towards the three million trees goal.
Legacy students are also encouraged to install tree labels for existing trees on the campus to increase the educational value for the students.
This opportunity is open to everyone.
The Agency however requires that a clear plan of action, including the maintenance of the seedlings is created; hence participants are encouraged to organize themselves for execution of the effort while ensuring adherence to covid-19 protocols.
Businesses and other government Ministries, Departments and Agencies can also participate by organizing their staff members to plant trees at their respective alma maters.
The Forestry Department will assist schools by providing technical advice and tree seedlings for planting. Schools or past students are required to request seedlings and tree planting support from the Forestry Department, so the resources can be organized and provided.
For more information contact the Forestry Department at 876-618-3205 | fdinfo@forestry.gov.jm