Saint Lucia launches a ten-year National Forest Strategic Plan that promotes preservation of the natural environment.

The Forest and Land Resources Department will observe World Forest Day (March 21), with the official launch of a National Forest Strategic Plan (2015-2025).

Chief Forest Officer, Adams Toussaint, said the National Forest Strategic Plan promotes the preservation of the natural environment for a healthy and productive nation. The department’s mission, he added, is to foster collaboration and partnership for the preservation and sustainable use of forests and the benefits they provide.

Forests shelter, nurture, inspire and provide livelihoods, medicine, food and fuel for 1.6 billion people worldwide. The observance highlights the value, significance and contributions of forests to life on earth; and underscores the vital role forests play in poverty eradication, environmental sustainability and food security.

Also to mark World Forest Day, the department will celebrate the centennial anniversary of the establishment of the Water Works Forest Reserve (1916 – 2016). The reserve was established for the protection of key watershed areas that supply Castries and part of Dennery.

The official launch of the National Forest Strategic Plan and the centennial anniversary celebration of the Water Works Forest Reserve will be held tomorrow, March 22, at 2 p.m. at the Rain Forest Sky Rides in Chassin.

The Forest and Land Resources Department and the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology would like to encourage all citizens to help maintain healthy forests for future generations.