Dominica to observe International Forest Day

Forest in Dominica at Syndicate
Forest in Dominica at Syndicate

The Commonwealth of Dominica joins the rest of the world in celebrating International Forest Day, on March 21st, 2016. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Forest and Water: Sustain Life and Livelihoods”; is a timely reminder of the important linkages between forest and water.

Dominica can boast not only about the fact that it has in excess of 60% vegetation cover, but also the country with perhaps the greatest percentage % of  Protected Areas (21%) and last but by no means least a forest ecosystem which has proven itself to be both relevant and resilient. Some 38 years ago, Dominica was ravaged by Hurricane David and within a short period, the forests of Dominica had re-emerged over the many mountains previously impacted by Hurricane David.

It is the forest which maintains our river ecosystems from which we obtain our domestic water supply and provides the many opportunities for recreational activities like kayaking and river tubing and the many other environmental services it provides.

Among activities planned is a Radio Programme on Dominica Broadcasting Corporation (DBS Radio). In addition a pre-recorded television programme will be aired on March 21, 2016. There will also be tree planting activities with selected schools along the river in the following areas – Layou, Checkhall, Dublanc and Belles rivers as part of Riparian Forest Restoration.

Remember if there is no forest, there will be no rivers and hence no water to sustain life and livelihood.

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10 Comments

  1. Me
    March 20, 2016

    Control those Haitian locusts if you want to keep your forest. They should regulate the sale of charcoal.

    • eat em
      March 21, 2016

      These people could destroy our forests in no time, if not checked. I wrote a paper on the deforestation of Haiti when I was in school, and I got an A. People should take this very seriously and check in the market or anywhere charcoal is being sold, and ask questions to find out where the charcoal came from.

  2. eat em
    March 20, 2016

    As the Haitians infiltrate de forest to make coal (fuel), these canopies will soon disappear. Same was done in Haiti. So, enjoy the green whiles it last.

  3. Face the Facts
    March 19, 2016

    Dominica is fortunate that it has forests and many rivers. Some islands as Antigua are not that fortunate. You know they would love, at least, one of Dominica’s rivers. :)
    Dominica is mountainous which has somewhat been a hindrance for building an airport as also an international one in a proper location. The saying, you cannot have everything. What one country is blest with, the other is not. For this Dominicans should be grateful.
    The next time anyone inconsiderately and sometimes wickedly criticize Dominica for lack of certain matters, please inform them about that. This should keep them quiet.

  4. March 18, 2016

    Wonderful. Let’s do more to learn about and protect our beautiful forests and nature! I would love the Forestry Department to extend this one day initiative by doing a course to guide us through the forest so we can learn about the different tree and plant species and their interactions. I’d be the first to sign up! Forests provide us with so much and let’s also remember that they are intrinsically valuable and sacred.

  5. %
    March 18, 2016

    So not even ONE name was mentioned in the press release??? THIS IS POOR! Anyway to all those who have taken care of our forest over the years THANK YOU!!!! The work must continue since many of our rivers are only streams presently…What if the Ministry of agriculture give to every school on island 20 young trees to plant for that day each year?They know the trees better than many of us,and can even instruct where they should be planted. I don’t think that it’s a good idea to just say PLANT A TREE..I may do so, but I could plant the wrong tree in the wrong area also…

  6. Nature lover
    March 18, 2016

    Wonderful. I love it. Keep up the good work Forestry.

  7. really?
    March 18, 2016

    Dominica tho tired have day….what’s next world common sense day….

  8. Wondering Mind
    March 18, 2016

    Thanks to the Forestry Division for protecting our forests over the years. You guys deserve our high praise.

  9. Citizen by birth
    March 18, 2016

    Among activities planned is a Radio Programme on Dominica Broadcasting Corporation (DBS Radio). In addition a pre-recorded television programme will be aired on March 21, 2016. Hosted by the denizen Forester.

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