In observance of International Day of the Forests, the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) recently rolled out a country wide initiative that will see nature being seamlessly incorporated into the Government’s infrastructural projects.
The International Day of Forests was established on the 21st day of March, by resolution of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), on November 28, 2012.
In 2025, “forests and foods” is the theme for the day; celebrating the crucial roles of forests in food security, nutrition and livelihoods. In addition to providing food, fuel, income and employment, forests support soil fertility, protect water resources, and offer habitats for biodiversity, including vital pollinators. They are essential for the survival of forest-dependent communities, particularly Indigenous Peoples, and contribute to climate change mitigation by storing carbon.
Foreign Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the PAC board of directors Robert Persaud.
On Friday, the PAC launched the National Tree Planting Project at the Conversation Tree and Pike Street intersection, Georgetown.
The transformative initiative highlights Guyana’s commitment and effort to combat climate change, and it acknowledges the critical role of trees in the sustainable development of the country’s urban areas.
The execution of this project is a collaborative effort being led by the PAC with support from the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), National Agricultural Research and Extension Institution (NAREI), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and local businesses among other entities.
Delivering remarks at the launch event was Foreign Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the PAC board of directors, Robert Persaud.
Persaud highlighted that the multiyear project, which has received $600 million in funding from the Government, will not only increase the number and diversity of flora found in urban centres and around massive infrastructure projects., but will also simultaneously work to change the way in which Guyanese citizens treat their surrounding environment.
“What we’re doing here is the launch of a national exercise. A national exercise that is the brainchild of both President Irfan Ali and the Vice President, and that is to ensure that as much as possible, especially in the areas where new highways are being built, new Government facilities, be it schools, hospitals, and other services, that these spaces are also populated by trees.”
He added, “But this exercise is done not only to preserve, enhance, and expand our green spaces, but also it is to bring the people of Guyana together and enhance their awareness in the need to protect our environment, but more particularly for us to beat that culture of littering and beat that culture of not respecting the space in which we occupy.”
The initiative, which was initially launched in Georgetown, Region Four (Demerara- Mahaica), will soon be rolled out across Guyana.
Under this initiative trees will be extracted and transplanted to various urban centres and projects. A transplanted trees can take a year or two to fully recover from transplant shock. When a tree is moved, it experiences stress due to root damage and the need to re-establish itself in a new environment.
As such the Chairman stressed the importance of citizens joining forces with the PAC to ensure that the game changing initiative is a success.
“But also, through this project, we want to get many communities to be involved and so in terms of communities helping us find trees, helping us plant these trees, helping us to nurture these trees, helping us to care for these trees, and ensuring that people do not remove the trees and so… this project, we want every single person to be involved and to own it.”
Also present at the event was Tropical Horticulturist and Agro-forester Dr Patrick Chesney, who revealed that for each location tress will be specifically chosen.
“In all of those new infrastructure areas, whether they’re highways, whether they’re schools, whether they’re hospitals, and so the selection of species for the different biophysical areas will require careful selection to ensure that they are fit for purpose. That they fit the needs of the biophysical environment, but at the same time that they do not harm health or welfare of children or patients or anyone and trees have different characteristics, and so from our knowledge we will be able to establish which trees should go where.”
Urban forests are more important than ever, serving as dynamic ecosystems that provide essential benefits to both people and wildlife. They help filter air and water, regulate stormwater, conserve energy, and offer habitats for animals while providing shade. Additionally, urban forests enhance urban design by adding beauty, form, and structure. By reducing noise and offering spaces for recreation, they strengthen social cohesion, drive community revitalisation, and contribute to the economic value of our communities.
