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The National Tree Planting Programme, an initiative from the Ministry of Sustainability & Climate Resiliency and Wellness, has planted 710 native and endemic trees on the grounds of government primary schools and public spaces since the programme’s inception in 2022. Having just completed its third year, the programme continues to work towards supporting green spaces for the enjoyment and education of the community. The tree planting programme launched as part of the Cayman Islands Government’s year-long celebration of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Since then, the initiative has continued to support local biodiversity thanks to partnerships with corporate businesses and community groups, and collaborations with public schools. In 2024, the programme planted a total of 122 native trees with the majority of the saplings planted within public school grounds by children and staff of the schools guided by the Ministry team. Last year, the project team organised planting events at Sir John A. Cumber Primary School, Prospect Primary School, Red Bay Primary School, Theoline L. McCoy Primary School, and Edna M. Moyle Primary School. The mission of the National Tree Planting Programme is to plant, nurture, and protect native and culturally significant trees across the Cayman Islands. The programme’s long-term goal is to protect biodiversity and develop a society that has a positive relationship with trees. Working with local nurseries such as Caribbean Blooms and the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, the programme has planted significant varieties such as Spanish Elm which was used in the construction of cat boats, Cabbage which was used in the wattle of traditional homes, and Broad Leaf which has traditional medicinal uses. In 2024, the programme has focused on public engagement efforts and tree planting events. The Ministry team are working in collaboration with the Ministry of Education to manage the plantings safely and ensure that the tree site is also in alignment with each school’s future growth plans. Feedback from the students and the teachers has been positive, and the events have helped to invigorate the curiosity of young learners, sparking new interests and passion for the natural world, and even bolstered interest in school eco-clubs. Honourable Dwayne Seymour, Minister for Sustainability & Climate Resiliency and Wellness, said: “I’m pleased with the outcomes of The National Tree Planting Programme over the past year. The team’s dedication to engagement and educating the community about these local varieties has been outstanding and I look forward to seeing the initiative grow.” Morgan Golden-Ebanks, Policy Advisor (Resiliency) said: “Last year was a very successful year for the National Tree Planting Programme. I’m pleased that we have been able to focus our efforts on the community and educate young people about the diverse and beautiful trees that grow around them. There are now more schools with native trees growing on-site. It is our ambition to expand the programme firstly by ensuring every government school on all three islands has endemic species within their grounds, and secondly by extending the scope of the programme to collaborate with the private sector to regreen even more spaces while contributing to corporate social responsibility targets.” To enquire about donating to the programme or learning how the Ministry can support your ESG initiatives, please contact the Ministry by emailing treeplanting@gov.ky, or visit the website www.gov.ky/national-tree-planting.