The Protected Areas Commission (PAC) yesterday launched its National Tree Planting Project in observance of International Day of Forests held under the theme “Forests and Foods”.
It is a collaborative effort led by the PAC, with support from the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), local businesses, and the ministries of Public Works, Local Government and Development, Education, and Health, a PAC release stated.
The almost-$600 million project involves planting 50,000 trees such as palms, ornamentals, and local tree species, throughout the administrative regions of Guyana that will be rolled out in phases over a seven-year period. During the first phase, trees will be planted to transform newly built highways, hospitals, schools, and government buildings into beautiful visual spaces.
Foreign Secretary and Chairman of the PAC Board of Directors, Robert Persaud, who gave brief remarks at the launching ceremony, stated that the project is the brainchild of President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo. He noted that the aim of the project was not only to preserve, enhance, and expand green spaces, but also to bring the Guyanese together and enhance their awareness of the need to protect the environment.
Persaud stressed the importance of understanding that green spaces are created to be utilised by people within the communities. As such, the project, he said, represents the transformation that is happening throughout Guyana while creating safe spaces for families.
“It is not only about beautification, it is not only about signifying in terms of how do we nurture our environment and bring what we do in our rich forest to the city, but also to get from every single Guyanese, their commitment and their role and their participation in this type of activity,” he added.
The Chairman reminded the gathering that Guyana is recognised as a leader in forest management and in addressing food security.
According to the release, the project also falls in line with the Government of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 geared towards combating climate change. The LCDS also acknowledges the critical role urban areas play in achieving sustainable development by promoting low-carbon solutions to support growing urban areas.
Also offering remarks at the launch were Special Advisor to the PAC, Damian Fernandes, and tropical horticulturist and agro-forester, Dr. Partick Chesney.
Fernandes posited that the project is meant to start a conversation among Guyanese on the importance of trees in and around their surroundings, while Dr Chesney noted that the project will play a major role in protecting Guyana’s ecosystem.
