On Friday, 4 October, the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) will spearhead several tree planting and public education exercises in commemoration of National Wood and Water Day (NWWD).
National Wood and Water Day is the only environmental day originating in Jamaica and is observed on the first Saturday in October. This year NWWD falls on 5 October.
NEPA’s activities for NWWD are being supported by community organizations and environmental stakeholders and will take place in three (3) Watershed Management Units, (Martha Brae River, Black River and the Pencar Buff Bay).
The activities will form part of a reforestation initiative being undertaken by the Agency in support of effective watershed management under its Conservation and Protection Programme.
Activities planned are:
The planting of fifty (50) shade trees at the Duanvale Community Centre, Trelawny in partnership with stakeholders from the Lower Martha Brae Watershed.
Sensitization sessions on the importance of and caring for trees at the Sandy Bank Primary school in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth in partnership with the BREDS. The sessions will culminate with the planting of Blue Mahoe, Lignum Vitae and Poui seedlings.
Partnering with the Forestry Department to plant trees at the Annotto Bay Hospital and the Windsor Castle All Age School. The day’s activities will also include presentations about the role of forestry and the importance of protecting watersheds.
The trees have been donated by the Forestry Department which spearheads the National Tree Planting Day being observed on Friday October 4.
The trees have been donated by the Forestry Department which spearheads the National Tree Planting Day being observed on Friday October 4.