Celebrating International Day of Forests 2023

“Planting conscience” by Progressive Sugar Cane Producers Association in Belize

The International Day of Forests is celebrated in March each year since it was declared as such by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012. The occasion is marked by activities around the world aimed at raising awareness of the crucial role played by forests in sustaining the planet. In the spirit of celebrating it, we spoke to Yvette Chi Yupit, Environmental Officer at one of the cane farmer associations that we support though Fairtrade premium in Belize about their inspiring “Planting conscience” initiative.

“At the Progressive Sugar Cane Producers Association”, Yvette tells us “we recognize how important trees are to our planet for future generations.  That is why we chose to run this programme funded with Fairtrade Premium”

Fairtrade is a certification scheme which allows us to sell Fairtrade certified sugar and generate value for the cane farmers who participate in the scheme, helping to ensure better livelihoods for themselves and their families. It’s essential to emphasize the significance of purchasing sugar that has been certified by Fairtrade.

Every initiative, no matter how small, contributes to the global challenge of promoting sustainable reforestation. The PSCPA Environmental Challenge aims to improve the quality of human life by reducing pollution and dust in the air, as well as rebuilding natural habitats and ecosystems. These three challenges are crucial in mitigating the impact of climate change and promoting sustainable development. In total, 605 trees were planted, benefiting 3,502 people.

The tree planting was carried out in five zones across the community:

• Zone 1 – San Roman Village planted 50 trees to help combat climate change and biodiversity loss.
• Zone 2 – San Estevan Lions Club joined the PSCPA Environmental Department and planted 15 trees to promote environmental conservation.
• Zone 3 – San Luis Roman Catholic School has taken action in planting 10 Mahogany trees in the community of San Luis Village. San Pablo Community planted 15 trees, and the PSCPA pledged to increase the community’s resilience to climate change and improve air quality.
• Zone 4 – San Pedro Community planted 15 trees, contributing to a greater impact cause such as global warming countermeasures, deforestation reduction, and recycling promotion.
• Zone 5 – Guinea Grass R.C. School planted 15 trees to promote and save the environment and to help slow the connected crises of climate change and diversity loss.

In addition, 350 trees will be distributing to the producers. Out of these, 160 trees were procured from the Yaxche Conservation Trust, 40 trees were purchased from the Three Lagoon Sustainability Program, and 150 trees were donated by Friends for Conservation (FCD). Producers have already received 200 trees through distribution.

The Environmental Tree Challenge Campaign ran from April 22, 2022, to January 26, 2023. These efforts represent valuable seeds added to a global challenge of bequeathing a healthier planet to future generations.