Belize Forest Department: “Every Tree counts”

Published by BBNTEAM at March 22, 2023

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Posted: Wednesday, March 22, 2023. 1:52 pm CST.

By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: The Belize Forest Department joined the world in commemorating International Day of Forests 2023.

The theme “Healthy Forests for Healthy People,” brings awareness to forests and how much our forests contribute to our health.

Forests also provide countless important health benefits, such as fresh air, clean water and aesthetically pleasing sceneries and landscapes. Healthy forests and a healthy environment are directly linked to healthier lives.

Over the past 100 years, Belize has invested significantly in protecting and managing its natural capital for the benefit of Belizeans.

Belize boasts 60.9% of forest cover with a 0.75% deforestation rate.

“Our forests, which include our protected natural areas, wetlands and mangroves, contribute over 20% to Belize’s GDP. Our people have an inextricable link to forests for traditional medicine, cultural and spiritual practices and serve as stewards of our forest resources,” the Forest department noted.

The Forest Department encourages all Belizeans to do our part in practicing the sustainable use of our forest resources to ensure our livelihoods and the health of the forests and ourselves.

Minister responsible for Forests, Orlando Habet and Abelardo Jose Mai, Minister responsible for Agriculture, participated in tree-planting activities with students at Our Lady of Guadalupe High School, Methodist High School and Comprehensive High School in Belmopan.

The Forest Department will carry out competitions, symposia, public awareness, fairs, and tree-planting activities to raise awareness of the importance of forests and their value to our health.

Everyone is encouraged to undertake tree planting and reforestation activities to increase the resilience, productivity, and health of the forest ecosystem – “Healthy Forests for Healthy People.”

Every Tree Counts!

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