On World Forest Day, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development, and the Fond St. Jacques Development Committee signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to co-manage and protect the Edmond forest, a critical part of the ecosystem in the region. The signing of the MOU is a significant step forward in environmental conservation in the region and will ensure the sustainable management of the forest, preserving its natural beauty and supporting the livelihoods of local communities.

According to Chairperson of the Fond St. Jacque Committee, Sandra Prospere, the signing of the MOU represents a significant step forward in the protection of the environment in the region. She reiterated the committee’s unwavering commitment to preserving and safeguarding the Edmond forest. “I want to assure the division of forest that we are here to co-manage the forest and to do so in a manner that will not harm the environment,” Prospere said.

The signing ceremony was attended by key representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Fond St. Jacques Development Committee, as well as other sector partners. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Barrymore Felicien, expressed his pleasure at the signing of the MOU and the ministry’s commitment to working together with sector partners to ensure the sustainable management of the country’s natural resources. “It is especially pleasing that we are here today and that we continue to roll out in other communities,” Felicien said.

The Ministry of Agriculture recognizes the crucial role that forests play in sustaining healthy ecosystems and remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving and protecting them.