WORLD RAINFOREST DAY 2024 by Shenequa Williams and Carol-Faye Bynoe-George

World Rainforest Day, celebrated on June 22, is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about the vital role rainforests play in sustaining life on Earth. These lush ecosystems, which cover only 6% of the Earth’s surface, are home to more than half of the world’s plant and animal species and play a crucial role in regulating the global climate.

Unfortunately, the Caribbean beautiful twin nation of Antigua and Barbuda, do not have rainforests after the clearing of lands for sugar plantations but instead tropical moist and dry forests can be found here.

Antigua’s forest is found in the Walling and Fig Tree Drive. These areas provide habitat for diverse wildlife and are essential for soil conservation and water regulation. According to the Atkins Report 1983 found in the “The Global Forest Assessment 2020 – Desk Study Antigua & Barbuda/FAO Knowledge Repository”, Moist Forest (>40% canopy cover, with trees > 5m tall) and covers approximately 2.2 hectares or 5.44 acres.

Also bearing no rainforest, Barbuda’s topography is relatively flat with some low-lying hills and dry woodland covers the highland of the northern section of the island and the western coast sand bar with mangrove‐fringing areas of the Codrington Lagoon.

Being cognizant of the tremendous importance of ecosystems which provide from food to medicine we should be all obligated to commemorate on World Rainforest Day and likewise to All Agricultural and Environmental events.

Antigua and Barbuda join the global community in celebrating forests and all natural treasures. By emphasizing and advocating the importance of preserving every ecosystem to include all types of forests demonstrating this through local conservation and reforestation efforts. Our Nation is committed to the protection its natural heritage, ensuring that its forests et al continue to thrive for future generations.