The Department of Forestry continues to make  strides towards full public education and sensitisation on the importance of our forests and water resources in all economic and social development, and food security by hosting a RoadShow

The Forest and Water Resources sustain human life and the environment; it connects people, cultures, and economies. They are also essential to achieving the Millennium Development Goals and other internationally agreed development goals such as the integration of the principles of sustainable development into country policies and programmes and reversing the loss of environmental resources.

It is against this backdrop that the Department of Forestry is embarking on a yearlong campaign to push actions associated with the theme for World Forest Day and World Water Day 2022, “Sustainable production and consumption:” two areas of national development that are closely related.

Deputy Chief Forestry Officer, Rebecca Rock in explaining the overall objective of the joint observance says the goal of this year’s roadshow was to showcase the importance of forests and water to the livelihoods of Saint Lucians.

As seen in the increasing cycles of floods, devastating hurricanes, and unbearable drought periods, forest and water resources have the power to destroy lives and livelihoods;  and climate change is expected to exacerbate these already disastrous events.

The recent economic and financial crises seen worldwide must also be acknowledged, and the consequences of the crisis on integrated forest and water resource management and services must be addressed as soon as possible.

In order to address global water issues and adapt water management strategies to global changes, the Department of Forestry remains committed to developing new policies, adaptation strategies, institutional reforms with the active participation of local elected administrations and water users, international commitments, financial mechanisms, technology, and innovation.