National tree planting project commences tomorrow in observance of International Day of Forests

The first of 50,000 trees will be planted on Friday, March 21, 2025, as the National Tree Planting project commences along the Conversation Tree four-lane highway. Over a seven-year period, palms, ornamentals, and local tree species will be planted in every region of Guyana. The official launch of the project will be held at the Conversation Tree and Pike Street intersection commencing at 09:45 hrs.

Trees to be planted are the Royal Palm, Barbados Pride, Flamboyant, Ite Palm, and Poi. In the first phase, the project aims to transform newly built highways, hospitals, schools, and government buildings into beautifully visual spaces. The objective is to improve the aesthetics of urban green spaces, provide clean air, shade, and a cooling effect in humid temperatures while at the same time offering safe recreational and relaxation spaces for citizens.

The project is a collaborative effort led by the Protected Areas Commission (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.

At the launch of the project, remarks will be delivered by Foreign Secretary and Chairman of the PAC Board of Directors, Mr. Robert Persaud, Special Advisor to the PAC, Mr. Damian Fernandes, and Tropical Horticulturist and Agroforester, Dr. Patrick Chesney.

While the planting of trees beautifies the surroundings, it will also contribute to Guyana’s effort to combat climate change. This is in keeping with the Government of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, which acknowledges the critical role urban areas play in achieving sustainable development by promoting low-carbon solutions to support growing urban areas.
March 20, 2025