BY NEXT YEAR, Barbados should have at least 80 000 more trees planted, one for every person below the age of 18.

Technical officer with the National Conservation Commission (NCC), Ryan Brathwaite, said it was a part of their reforestation programme.

"Deforestation is a big problem in Barbados, as when people build, they tend to just clear the land rather than build around existing vegetation. Then they plant a small flower garden," he said.

Oxygen

Brathwaite added he had no problems with flower gardens, but they could not replace trees in terms of oxygen production or soil conservation.

As for the number of trees they intended to plant, he said it was calculated there were around 80 000 people under 18 and so they wanted to get the youth involved.

"Youth make a greater impact and show more enthusiasm, and, as they grow, we hope this line of thinking would continue in their minds to do more for the environment," he said.

All seedlings and cuttings that will be used for the reforestation will be sourced locally.

Propagation

Brathwaite was speaking to the Press on Wednesday at a seminar on Capacity Building For Youth In Sustainable Land Management at the Dining Club, Manor Lodge, St Michael.

In his remarks, NCC general manager Keith Neblett said the project included two phases: one which would expose youth to the importance of vegetation and propagation techniques; and the other the collection of plant material which would be planted and monitored.

Several schools were involved, including The Rock Christian School, Roland Edwards Primary, Welches Primary, Alleyne School and Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic. (CA)