A clean up exercise at Levera St Patrick on Tuesday, was the hallmark of activities marking the observance of International Day of the forest which is celebrated annually on March 21st.
The joint exercise included officials from the Ministry of Agriculture & Lands, Fisheries and Cooperatives, and other stakeholders.
The United Nations General Assembly declared March 21st as the International Day of Forests in 2012, to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests.
Countries are also encouraged to undertake efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns.
Chief Forestry Officer Anthony Jeremiah was among stakeholders at Tuesdays Clean up exercise. “The forest itself provides many health benefits, we understand how the forest benefit us as humans- as we use it for our recreation; so we need to create healthy forests that will create a healthy nation,” he said.
In keeping with the 2023 theme- “Forests and their Health,”- the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands Fisheries and Cooperatives partnered with the St.Patrick’s Environmental and Community Tourism Organisation (SPECTO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the T. A Marryshow Community College (St.Patrick Campus) in staging the clean-up exercise at Levera.
SPECTO Representative Flarisha Mitchell praised the response from the young persons who participated in the exercise. “We are applauding all young people that participated in the exercise and those who continue to play their part in keeping Grenada clean.”
Most of the garbage collected included items made from plastic.
Aiden Forteau Sustainable Landscape Management Specialist for the Climate Resilient and Agriculture Project outlines the importance of Tuesdays activity.
“We know that forests are importance for the socio economic development of our country, however awareness alone is not enough- based on what was collected, if these platics were to be ingested by the turtles who nest here, we understand what they can do to their population, hence we must do more.”
The initiative sought to raise awareness on forests; their sustainable management and their use as key resources in combating climate change, and to contributing to the prosperity and well-being of current and future generations.
Healthy according to the United Nations forests are vital for all aspects of a healthy planet, from livelihoods and nutrition to biodiversity and the environment.
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Upcoming Training Opportunities
The Climate Smart Agriculture & Rural Enterprise Program (SAEP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands and CARDI is offering relevant training for farmers on Nursery Management at the CARDI Field Station Wednesday March 29, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
The training is targeted towards SAEP beneficiaries involved in Nursery Production and other farmers (non-beneficiaries) also interested in nursery production.
The session will be facilitated by Mr. Reginal Andall- from CARDI
- Theoretical Session on Nursey Management – essentials of good nursery management
- Practical Session – sowing of seeds, potting mix, application of fertilizer etc
- Business Session
All interested farmers are asked to contact the SAEP Office 442-0105 or the district offices:
Eastern – 442-7249
Northern 442-9316
Western- 444-9049
Southern- 440-4862
on or before March 27th 2023. Please indicate your name and contact details.
Dry Season Tips for Animal Owners from Chief Vet & Livestock Officer Dr. Kimond Cummings.
For animal owners these are important:
- Water needs to be available & accessible- Animals need fresh water for their bodies to function. Water is vital for bodily functions such as regulation of temperature, nutrient uptake, removing wastes, body weight, and health.
Please ensure that animals have access to clean drinking water.
- Available Shade: Excess sun exposure can lead to sunburns and other conditions. Hence, it is important to reduce heat induced stress by ensuring that shade is available for animals.
- Housing Structure-Pens should not be built with only galvanize, as it traps too much heat. Buildings should also be constructed to ensure movement of clean air.
- Ensure that animals receive their required supplements to keep them healthy.
Transplanting with Agronomist Kerry- Ann Frank.
Transplanting gives plants a head start, and promotes uniformed growth and a developed root system.
Factors which should be considered when transplanting are as follows:
- Farmers/field workers must ensure that the area used to produce plants has been disinfected.
- Preparation: The selected area must need be hardened off before transplanting plants into the field.
