The Forestry Unit, Ministry of the Environment & Natural Resources is proud to announce the celebration of its 10th anniversary of Forestry Awareness Week, held from March 17th to 21st, 2025. This annual event commemorates World Forestry Day/International Day of Forests, celebrated globally on March 21st. The observance aims to celebrate and promote the significant benefits provided by trees and forests, while educating the public and raising awareness about issues affecting forests and the vital work of the Forestry Unit.
This year’s global theme is “Forests and Food,” highlighting the crucial role forests play in food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture. Forests are not just green spaces; they are lifelines, supporting ecosystems fundamental to human survival.
Over the past decade, Forestry Awareness Week has played a pivotal role in increasing awareness of the importance of forests and trees to the everyday life of each Bahamian and our culture. Past activities have included:
- Tree planting drives across various islands, involving schools, communities, and local organizations.
- Educational workshops and seminars focused on the ecological and economic benefits of forests.
- Environmental expos showcasing sustainable forest management practices and innovative uses of forest resources.
- Community clean-up campaigns aimed at preserving and enhancing forested areas.
- Public outreach through radio and television programs, newspaper articles, and social media campaigns to spread awareness about forest conservation.
These activities have culminated in a heightened understanding and appreciation of the essential role forests play in our lives, from providing food and medicine to supporting livelihoods and protecting our environment.
A week of exciting activities is planned for this milestone celebration, including:
- School visits and tree plantings on the islands of Grand Bahama, Abaco, Andros, Acklins, Crooked Island, and New Providence.
- Radio interviews.
- Courtesy calls on our local partners throughout The Bahamas.
- Miniature Environmental Expos in Nassau at the University of The Bahamas Campus and in Freeport, Grand Bahama, at the Rand Nature Centre.
- Newspaper advertisements.
- A proclamation declared by Prime Minister Hon. Philip Davis, printed in the national newspapers.
The Forestry Unit has partnered with numerous organizations to promote the importance of forests, including the Ministry of Education, The Ministry for Grand Bahama, The Bahamas National Trust, The Nature Conservancy, Bahamas Reef Environment Education Foundation, Friends of the Environment, One Eleuthera Foundation, University of The Bahamas, Department of Environmental Planning & Protection, Turks and Caicos Islands Department of Environment and Coastal Resources, The Sustainable Lifestyle, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, WaterKeepers Bahamas, and the Perry Institute for Marine Science. Through these partnerships, we aim to preserve our forests both locally and internationally.
Forests provide a myriad of benefits, including:
- Food and Medicine: More than 5 billion people (or approximately 61% of the worlds population) rely on forests for food, medicine, and livelihoods. In the Bahamas, our forests provide various bush medicines, such as the five fingers and Gumelemi, and support marine life, including fish and shellfish, essential to our local diets.
- Wood Fuel and Cooking: For over 2 billion people, wood and traditional fuels remain essential for cooking. The use of wood and traditional fuels in the Bahamas is an essential part of our cultural heritage.
- Support for Agriculture: Forests provide homes for pollinators, keep the soil healthy, offer shade and food for livestock, regulate temperatures, enhance rainfall, and act as wind barriers for crops. Our coppice and pine forests support hunting activities of the white-crowned pigeon, wild hogs, and land crabs, which contribute to local food sources.
- Rural Livelihoods: In many regions, forests contribute to 20% of rural household incomes. In the Bahamas, forests support sustainable livelihoods, such as the crab harvesting industry and the handicraft industry, which relies on resources like silver top palm for straw work.
- Water Security: Forested watersheds provide freshwater to over 85% of major cities. In The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, our wetlands play a crucial role in replenishing water tables.
- Wild Meat and Survival: During crises, forests offer alternative sources of nutrition and income. In the Bahamas, wild meat from species such as wild hogs and land crabs serves as an essential protein source for local communities.
By preserving our forests, such as pine forests and mangroves, we combat climate change, protect biodiversity, and ensure a sustainable future for the Bahamas. Forests are at the heart of food security and sustainability.
Therefore, we invite you to join us in celebrating Forestry Awareness Week and International Day of Forests by planting a tree or doing your part to protect our environment. Together, we can secure a healthier planet and better nutrition for future generations.
