EDITORIAL: More fruit trees needed

The planting of fruit trees can aid in mitigating the effects of climate change, whilst lending to improved nutrition on the part of citizens, by providing healthy year-round products for consumption. Yet, we seemingly have ignored this small but powerful fact, over the years. However, we have seen recently that the Ministry of the Environment and National Beautification has partnered with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), to resume the National Tree Planting Project. As such, approximately 200 fruit trees were scheduled to be planted at Nature’s Fun Ranch in Bruce Vale, St. Andrew, to relaunch the initiative, which was impacted by the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Early on in 2020, the youth of Barbados were encouraged to do their part to support the Million Trees Project, by planting a fruit tree or any other tree they could and the wider Barbadian public was also invited, to help reach that target. Indeed, whilst there was much hype about “tree planting” in Barbados in the past, the focus should have been placed on the planting of fruit trees, as this activity will contribute to food sovereignty and ensure that we are truly planting for the future.

There are too many foreign fruits imported into Barbados and some of the youth have never been up close and personal with local fruits. Also, we never know what may cripple us down the road, in terms of being able to deliver food for all our citizens. Thus, a greater food sovereignty plan is needed, to ensure that we can withstand whatever comes our way on the agricultural front.

Now, there are many benefits to planting trees in general. Information gathered from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), a non-profit organisation supporting tree care research around the world and dedicated to the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees, suggests that there are many benefits to having trees around. In terms of the social benefits, we certainly like trees around us because they make life more pleasant. Indeed, we feel more serene, peaceful, restful, and tranquil in a grove of trees.

In terms of environmental benefits, trees alter the environment in which we live, by moderating climate, improving air quality, conserving water, and harboring wildlife. Climate control is obtained by moderating the effects of sun, wind, and rain. We are cooler when we stand in the shade of trees and are not exposed to direct sunlight. Air quality can also be improved through the use of trees and shrubs. Trees increase in value from the time they are planted until they mature.

So you see, there is more than meets the eye when it comes to this whole discussion of trees and the planting of trees and the benefits they bring. When fruit is added to the mix, the food sovereignty aspect becomes a big benefit as well. Thus, all adult Barbadians and the youth as well should be encouraged to plant more free trees, wherever possible.