EMA marks World Water Day and World Forestry Day

Published: 22 Mar 2010

In recognition of World Forestry Day, the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) is encouraging its schools’ environmental clubs to promote the relationship between forests and water by planting trees. World Forestry Day is celebrated around the world each year to remind communities about the many benefits of forests and the importance of managing this complex ecosystem to ensure its sustainability. Similarly, World Water Day is celebrated annually and in 2010 it aims to communicate messages on water quality, ecosystems and human well-being through the theme Clean Water For A Healthy World. The Environmental Club Programme is one of the environmental education tools used by the EMA to engage students in primary and secondary schools throughout T&T.

This programme continues to be an avenue for students to develop a greater appreciation of the environment and understanding of the importance of conservation and sustainable development. The Environmental Club Programme was first established in 1998, with the permission of the Ministry of Education, and was initially opened to secondary schools. Over the past 12 years and through various club projects, students have demonstrated their ability to work as a team to find solutions to environmental problems in their schools and communities. To date, there are 46 registered environmental clubs, 13 primary school clubs and 33 secondary school clubs. Planting trees is yet another means for schools to show their roles in combating global issues such as climate change, water availability and loss of biodiversity. Students are becoming more aware of their actions and the implications on the environment, recognising that the sustainable use of resources such as forests is important to their survival and quality of life. As both days are celebrated so closely together, students are therefore reminded of the interconnectivity of both observances, such as the importance of forest conservation to watershed management. Students will be asked to plant their trees on World Water Day, the day after World Forestry Day. The EMA would like to thank the Forestry Division and the Horticultural Services Division for donating tree seedlings, which will be distributed to the clubs by the EMA. Source: http://guardian.co.tt/features/life/2010/03/22/ema-marks-world-water-day-and-world-forestry-day