Erica James-King, Staff ReporterWESTERN BUREAU:
BUSINESS INTERESTS in the tourism sector have crafted a new programme of reforestation for schools islandwide that will be set in motion during the new academic year in September.
The programme, which is being spearheaded by the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), will also have the input of tourists.
It is aimed at increasing the JHTA's impact in moulding the youth as well as ensuring sustainable programmes.
'PLANT A TREE'
Announcing the new initiative dubbed 'Plant A Tree', Godfrey Dyer, JHTA president, explains that his organisation will be selecting 10 schools in St. James and Portland, and get them to plant trees in the Rio Grande and Great River Watershed areas.
"The JHTA will sell trees to visitors and local residents and the trees will also be given to schools who will plant them in designated areas in the respective watershed areas," Mr. Dyer told the recent Educational Symposium and Green Tourism conference in St. James.
The conference was attended by scores of regional and international delegates from tourism entities and environmental organizations from as far away as New Zealand.
Mr. Dyer points out that the schools will be randomly selected by his organization while the Environmental Audits for Sustainable Tourism (EAST) Project and the Forestry Department will secure the saplings, and distribute them to the schools.
"Funds from the sale of the trees will be divided between schools and the JHTA, to seed their environmental fund," the JHTA president added.
In an interview with Sunday Business, Hugh Cresser, EAST project co-ordinator, indicates that selling rates for the trees have not yet been worked out, but the project is contemplating charging tourists between US$1 to US$6 to obtain a tree.
Elaborating further on the 'plant a tree' scheme, he points out that in an effort to strengthen environmental awareness among students, the JHTA will also be undertaking training programmes. The organisation is also mulling over the possibility of hosting 'plant a tree' camps for students.
STRATEGY PARTNERSHIP
The reforestation initiative being organized by the JHTA among students, is just one of two strategic partnership programmes being undertaken by that umbrella group which represents hoteliers.
An agreement has been reached between JHTA and Shell Company, to collaborate on issues dealing with the environment and sustainable development.
The JHTA indicates that the main focus of this second programme will be on training and awareness initiatives for rural communities, youth and tourism facilities.
