Dry conditions halt $32-million Trelawny reforestation project

A $32-million reforestation project in Rock Spring, South Trelawny, has been forced to a halt due to prolonged drought conditions.

The project, funded by the TUI Care Foundation, based in Belgium, is being managed by the Southern Trelawny Environmental Agency (STEA).

Speaking with The Gleaner, STEA’s Hugh Dixon bemoaned the impact the prolonged drought has had on the project.

“We have not had any significant rain for two months and this is slowing the growth of those planted. We have so far planted 14,200 trees, but the absence of water has seen some of them just wilt and die. We are forced to put a halt on planting,” Dixon said.

The project aims to plant 40,000 trees on 23 acres of land in the Cockpit Country.

Of the trees to be planted, 32,000 will be native species, including blue mahoe and cedar, while another 8,000 will be fruit trees such as mango, avocado and ackee.

Dixon said residents are expected to benefit from the project through ecotourism and agro-processing opportunities.

“From these trees, the residents will benefit through ecotourism, as guides will take visitors on tours through established trails. The fruits will be on sale to locals and provide opportunities for agro-processing,” he added.

- Leon Thomas

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