Arbour Day 2024: Renew and Restore Commitment to our Planet by Brent Simon

Today, November 28th, the Department of Environment (DOE) hosted Arbour Day 2024, bringing the community together to celebrate the importance of trees and their roles in sustaining the environment, providing food, medicine and the list is endless. The event started at 10 AM and will continue till 4:30 PM, offering supporters the opportunity to take home a variety of fruit trees and ornamental plants.

The DOE distributes around 25,000 plants annually, and approximately 5000 will be exchanged for biodegradable plants bags today. This yearly plant exchange activity is not a one-time event as the department often engages schools and organizations in tree planting exercises at various times during the year.

Many species of trees available, include popular choices like Bajan/Local Cherry, Guava, Mango, Soursop. Additionally, Golden Apple, Custard Apple, Sugar Apple and the rarer Malay Apple, Raspberry, Tangerine, Cashew and others which were carefully selected to promote biodiversity and our local agricultural culture. Attendees, first timers and repeaters expressed excitement as they collected their plants, many stating that they could not wait for their plants and seedlings to bear fruit.  In support of this annual affair other vendors also had stalls available with plants and other goodies for purchase.

The Botanical Gardens provided a fitting backdrop for the event, emphasizing the beauty and importance of green spaces. Through Arbour Day and similar Initiatives, the Department of Environment continues to inspire environmental stewardship, fostering a culture of sustainability while building a greener and better future for Antigua and Barbuda.