Ministry plants 710 trees as 100s more lost to development
(CNS): The sustainability ministry has planted 710 native and endemic trees on the grounds of government primary schools and public spaces across the islands since the National Tree Planting Programme started three years ago. But over the same period, hundreds more trees have been lost to development, including mature trees that have been cleared from pristine primary habitat.
The programme, which started in 2022, was part of the Cayman Islands Government’s year-long celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Given the huge loss of natural resources, the effort to continue planting after the celebrations is welcome but does little to compensate for the devastating loss of trees due to development, largely for high-end luxury homes and condos.
Last year, just 122 trees, mostly native saplings, were planted within public school grounds by children and staff of the schools guided by the ministry team. The stated mission is to plant, nurture and protect native and culturally significant trees across the Cayman Islands, though very little effort has been made over the last twelve months to preserve mature trees from bulldozers.
While the programme’s long-term goal is to protect biodiversity and develop a society that has a positive relationship with trees, the reality is that Cayman is losing its natural resources at a frightening rate.
The programme has focused on significant varieties such as Spanish Elm, which was used in the construction of catboats; Cabbage, which was used in the wattle of traditional homes; and Broad Leaf, which has traditional medicinal uses.
Dwayne Seymour, who currently holds the sustainability portfolio and was behind the recent attempt to gut the National Conservation Act and to prevent the National Conservation Council from trying to protect endangered trees, seemed pleased with the outcome of the programme over the past year.
“The team’s dedication to engagement and educating the community about these local varieties have been outstanding, and I look forward to seeing the initiative grow,” he said just days after the government removed the appointed experts and conservationists from the NCC.
Policy Advisor for Resiliency Morgan Golden-Ebanks said the ministry team members were glad they could focus efforts on the community and educate young people about the diverse and beautiful trees that grow around them. “There are now more schools with native trees growing on-site,” she said. and more children who understand their importance. It is our ambition to continue working within the community and with the private sector to green even more spaces.”
While the programme is doing little to address the loss of Cayman’s trees, it is a positive project as it teaches students about conservation. Last year, the project team organised planting events at Sir John A. Cumber Primary School, Prospect Primary School, Red Bay Primary School, Theoline L. McCoy Primary School, and Edna M. Moyle Primary School.
In 2024, the programme focused on public engagement efforts and tree-planting events. The team is working in collaboration with the education ministry to ensure that the trees are planted in alignment with each school’s future growth plans so they are not removed even before they get a chance to grow as a result of school developments to accommodate the growing population.
Officials said feedback from the students and the teachers has been positive, and the events have helped to invigorate the curiosity of young learners, sparking new interests and passion for the natural world and bolstering interest in school eco-clubs.
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Category: Land Habitat, Science & Nature
Not to bed a negative nancy but surely a far better solution would be to reduce cutting down of pre-existing trees? Cayman has a serious over-development problem that needs addressing. I don’t want to see my home turn into a concrete jungle. Vote carefully this April.
H. Elpus 19@10.23 am – There has been a lot of public criticism about the lack of shade trees being planted in the GT downtown project…with no explanation, as far as I know. In keeping with CIG’s evident ‘reactive, if any, response’ practices.
I suspect the palms are used because of their limited root structures. We recall the pavement and sidewalk damage in the Courts parking lot, from the mahogany and black olive trees planted previously, and other examples. Broad shade trees require broad (and potentially damaging) root structures.
But, I’m no expert and the ‘experts’ haven’t answered.
Hurrah! Thank you Ministry, please don’t let this be just lip service!
We used to celebrate Arbor Day here and I recall Secondary Modern school children planting trees on that day. That was mid-60s…how far we’ve come!
I guess they didn’t have space to dig a deep enough hole to bury the sustainability minister.
More trees, less assholes please.
Called up there can’t get to the nursery so drove up. Why did they stop selling locally grown plants at the Botanical Park? Went there several times looking plants and was finally told that the manager said that they are not growin plants. So what does the person in charge of the plant nursery doing.
And why did they stop flyng the Cayman Islands flag and Union Jack? Noticed this driving in.
The ministry should look into this.
The people running this place are paid to work, stop making excuses and WORK.
Have any been planted on Little Cayman or Cayman Brac?
maybe help out in the downtown George Town fiasco with no shade trees to be seen
Camana Bay is filled with shade trees and cool shady spots. Why did the designers of this project not follow the example of Camana Bay???
7:51, it is somewhat comical that you would mention Camana Bay “having shade trees”, while is true, speaks to the hypocrisy of the issue. I tell you what that are “had” before a few shade trees.. mangroves!!! Thousands of them. But somehow some people tend to overlook those facts; particularly when it comes to development on that side of the island. Wry telling.
Great initiative! Keep planting and don’t only focus on schools. Team up with some landscapers and get a fixed fee to plant a tree on a sidewalk with shade. Let the public have the opportunity to sponsor a tree in their neighborhood.
most of the so called landscapers are felling all trees.
And Botanic park stopped selling plants.