The Environmental Foundation of Jamaica (EFJ) in partnership with the Friends of the Sea (FOTS) and the Forestry Department hosted an Earth Day Tree Planting Event on 22 April 2003 at the Dunn’s River Watershed above the Dunn’s River Falls and Beach Park.
The day started with an opening ceremony and an enthusiastic presentation from young Ranni Sittol from the Moneague Primary and Junior High School. Eleven-year-old Ranni Sittol gave a vibrant presentation on the topic, “The impact of trees on the watershed”. The articulate young Sittol emphasized the importance of trees and the impact they have on the watershed. Read presentation.
It was heartwarming to see people from all age groups; senior citizens, young adults, children and even toddlers happily working together. Participants came from the EFJ, FOTS, Forestry Department, Rural Agricultural Development Authority, Pimento Walk Youth Club, Sandals Ocho Rios Hotel, Beaches Royal Plantation Hotel, Moneague Primary, and Junior High School, BirdLife Jamaica, Steer Town community and many other neighboring communities, schools and businesses. In all approximately 315 persons participated on Earth Day and on Easter Monday, 21 April 2003, 297 persons participated planting 1000 seedlings.
In all approximately 315 persons participated on Earth Day and on Easter Monday, 21 April 2003, 297 persons participated planting 1000 seedlings.
The day was very successful. By 1:00 p.m. the targeted amount of 2500 seedlings was exceeded by 950, a total of 3450 seedlings planted. This brings to 80,000 the total number of seedlings planted on the Watershed. The young and the old entertained themselves with music and dancing bringing an end to the day’s activities for a very successful Earth Day 2003.
