PR — The Ministry of Climate Resilience, the Environment and Renewable Energy, in partnership with the Forestry Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry, and the Partnership Initiative on Sustainable Land Management (PISLM), has launched the revival of the historic “Carry a Tree to Carriacou” campaign — a national reforestation and community climate action initiative.
Originally conceptualized in the 1970’s,”Carry a Tree to Carriacou” is being reimagined to meet today’s climate challenges, uniting citizens in a collective effort to restore forest cover, strengthen ecosystem resilience, and build awareness about the role of trees in climate adaptation and biodiversity protection.
The initiative follows the devastating impacts of Hurricane Beryl in July 2024, which caused widespread environmental damage across Carriacou, stripping large areas of forest cover and leaving the island’s natural defense systems weakened.
According to the Ministry, the campaign will serve a dual purpose:
- Restore and reforest critical areas in Carriacou from upland zones and coastal areas (including mangroves) to backyards and community spaces.
- Educate and mobilize citizens across Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique on the importance of trees, ecosystem restoration, and climate change adaptation.
The initiative will take the form of phased implementation:
Phase 1 – “Ferry a Tree” Mini-Campaign
To kickstart the effort, passengers traveling from Grenada to Carriacou will be invited to carry a tree seedling aboard the ferry and deliver it to designated drop-off points managed
by NGOs or Forestry Officers in Carriacou. Participants will receive care instructions and be encouraged to join future planting events.
Phase 2 – Community Tree Planting and Education Week
Building on Phase 1, this stage will feature a week of community-led tree planting and educational sessions across Carriacou. Activities will include hands on training on reforestation techniques, climate adaptation workshops, and symbolic planting ceremonies involving local and visiting officials.
Phase 3 – Grow and Care: Tree Maintenance and Stewardship
Recognizing Carriacou’s dry climate and limited water resources, this final phase will focus on tree maintenance and survival. Communities will be encouraged to “adopt a tree,” take part in simple watering and care routines, and participate in follow-up monitoring to ensure long-term growth and success.
Speaking on the initiative in a keynote address, Hon. Kerryne James noted that “Carry a Tree to Carriacou” initiative goes beyond tree planting — it is about rebuilding resilience, reconnecting communities with their natural heritage, and delivering tangible climate action.
PISLM Executive Director, Dr. Ronen Francis emphasized that “Each tree planted helps to prevent erosion, enrich the soil, reduce flooding, provide shade, and restore the natural balance of the ecosystem.”
Among the key features of the launch were opening remarks by Permanent Secretary Peron Johnson (MoCRERE), who outlined the planned rollout and implementation phases of the Carry a Tree to Carriacou programme, and Permanent Secretary Leanwall Perotte (MoCPMALG), who warmly welcomed the initiative to Carriacou, providing historical and meaningful context on the island’s long-standing culture of stewardship and reforestation.
Presentations followed from the programme’s technical partners: Dr. Roxanne Graham, National Adaptation Officer (MoCRERE), who shared updates on the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Revision and related Programmes of Action; Ms. Tara Francis, Communication and Knowledge Management Specialist at PISLM, who presented progress on the Carriacou Sustainable Land Management Project and its School Programme; and Mr. Dillon Palmer, Chief Forestry Officer of the Forestry Division, together with Mr. Bernard McIntosh, Manager of Carriacou Integrated Landscape Management Project implemented by PISLM, through funding from the Global Environment Facility and implementation support from the United Nations Environment Programme. He delivered a Technical Brief on project sites, species selection, and the agroforestry and coastal restoration strategy.
Adding a creative and youth-centered element to the day, Dr. Roxanne Graham-Victor announced an exciting opportunity for students in Carriacou—a logo design competition open to both primary and secondary schools for the
“Carry a Tree to Carriacou” slogan. Cash prizes sponsored by the NAP Global Network and PISLM, will be awarded first to third place in each category, and the overall winning logo will be featured on all programme merchandise, including T-shirts and other materials distributed throughout the initiative.
The campaign is expected to create opportunities for education, volunteerism, and partnership between government agencies, local NGOs, civil society groups, private sector and regional transport and media.
