Under the theme “Forests and Innovation”, the Bahamas Forestry Unit wrapped up an islandwide tour, touching schools throughout New Providence, leading up to Forestry Awareness Week, Monday, March 18 to Friday, March 22, 2024. This campaign, known as the Green Fridays Initiative, allowed youngsters to get actively involved in environmental efforts.
“Green Fridays”, a movement gaining momentum worldwide, is dedicated to environmental sustainability and the preservation of planet Earth. This initiative encourages individuals and communities to take action by participating in tree plantings, clean-up efforts, and other eco-friendly activities.
“By planting trees, we can help to not only mitigate the effects of deforestation and climate change, but also foster biodiversity and create healthier ecosystems,” said Danielle Hanek, acting Director, Bahamas Forestry Unit.
The Forestry Unit, a division of the Ministry of the Environment & Natural Resources, visited a number of schools to plant trees for the Green Fridays Initiative, including: Hope Academy, A.F. Adderley High School, Faithway Christian Academy, Windsor Academy, Government High School, Hillcrest Academy, Garvin Tynes Primary School, Aquinas College, Anatol Rodgers High School, Yellow Elder Primary School, C.R. Walker High School, and Achievers Christian Academy.
“Forestry Awareness Week presents an invaluable opportunity to spotlight the vital role that forests play in our lives and to explore innovative approaches in forestry management and conservation,” Mrs. Hanek said.
“This year’s theme, ‘Forests and Innovation’ underscores the critical need for
creative solutions to address the challenges facing our forests in the 21st century.”
Forestry Awareness Week also included “World Forestry Day/ International Day of Forests” on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
The final Green Fridays Initiative took place on Friday March 22 at Adelaide Pond, involving dozens of students from public and private schools in New Providence, who took part in the “Plan to Plant” program.
Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources, the Hon. Vaughn P. Miller participated with the youngsters in planting hundreds of trees in Adelaide. The successful event occurred thanks to a partnership between the Ministry of the Environment & Natural Resources (MENR) led by its Forestry Unit; Waterkeepers Bahamas; and the Bahamas National Independence Secretariat with the support of the Ministry of the Education and Technical and Vocational Training (MOETVT). This project is partially funded by the Builders Initiative and the GEF Small Grants Programme.
Students took care of mangrove seeds (propagules) for six months leading up to the Green Fridays planting exercise. Participants from Anatol Rodgers, C.I. Gibson, C.R. Walker and Windsor High Schools remarked on the invaluable experience and the knowledge gained in the process.
Forests are essential for sustaining life on Earth, providing numerous environmental, social, and economic benefits. They serve as vital carbon sinks, mitigate climate change, regulate water cycles, preserve biodiversity, and offer recreational opportunities. Moreover, forests support livelihoods for millions of people worldwide, particularly in rural areas.
“That’s why being innovative is key to addressing these challenges effectively,” Mrs. Hanek said.
“By harnessing technological advancements, adopting sustainable practices, and fostering collaboration across sectors, we can develop innovative solutions to conserve and manage forests more efficiently.”
In addition to school visits and tree and mangrove plantings, the Forestry Unit also led a “Years of the Trees” video competition, and made appearances on several radio talk shows, spreading national awareness on the importance of forests.
To assist with the protection and sustainable management of forest resources, the Forestry Unit has notable sustainable partners such as the Department of Environmental Health Services; the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection; the Bahamas National Trust; Friends of the Environment; Creative Nassau; Bahamas Public Parks & Public Beaches Authority; the Nature Conservancy; the University of the Bahamas and Waterkeepers Bahamas.
Source: Bahamas Forestry Unit, Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources.
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