Tree-planting drive ‘strengthens’ environmental, food security goals

Barbadians’ growing enthusiasm for greening their surroundings was praised as a sign of national commitment to climate responsibility and food security, as participants in the National Tree Planting and Parish Home Garden competitions were awarded on Friday.

Coordinator of Competitions Dewyn Phillips told the prize-giving ceremony at the National Botanical Gardens that the competitions, which ran from mid-October to November 14, were not only well supported but also aligned with Barbados’ national and international environmental commitments.

In the Parish Home Garden Beautification Competition, third place went to Marlene Cheeseman of St Joseph ($2 000), second place to Greta Wendy Collymore of St Philip ($3 000), and first place to Hazel Lindo-Carrington of Christ Church ($4 000).

In the Tree Planting Competition, Ferne Austin placed third after planting 640 trees to win $6 000. Michelle Seale secured second place with 780 trees, earning $8 000, while Jefferson Roberts claimed first place after planting an impressive 1 088 trees, taking home the $10 000 top prize.

Phillips explained that while the Ministry of Environment and National Beautification has a national mandate, Barbados is also bound by international climate obligations under the Paris Agreement, which the country signed in 2015 and ratified in 2016.

“That is an international treaty on climate change where we signed on with over 190 countries,” Phillips said, noting that the agreement aims to reduce global warming by limiting temperature increases.

“The most inexpensive way to do this is by planting trees. Trees are not very difficult to plant, they’re not very hard to maintain, but it’s the fastest and easiest way of sequestering carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.”

Beyond environmental protection, Phillips highlighted food security as one of the major benefits of tree planting, particularly through fruit trees.

“The state of reliable access, and in this case fruit trees, affordability of fruits and nutritional value… adds to the many vitamin and mineral resources across Barbados,” he said. “This works well when we are combating non-communicable diseases, which we know come about by unhealthy diets and habits.”

He also pointed to the aesthetic and social benefits of the programme, noting that many participants worked in groups to clear unwanted vegetation and transform plots of land.

“That goes a long way in making your community worthwhile,” Phillips said. “You worked together, that community spirit came about, and community development.”

Looking ahead, he said the socio-economic impact of the trees planted would become evident within three to five years, especially as participants focused on fruit-bearing trees such as soursop and cherry.

“High in antioxidants, high in anti-cancerous properties,” he noted, adding that some participants already planned to use the produce to create juices and other products.