It’s an indisputable fact the trees are important! Since our survival depends on trees, its value can’t be overstated. The simple process of converting carbon dioxide into oxygen is critical to the continuation of the human species and animals alike. This also helps to combat global warming.

Trees are known to reduce wind speeds and lower the temperature of air because they tend to lose water and return heat upwards from leaves.  Trees are also able to lower city temperatures by approximately up to 7 °C.  They are important to those in the Caribbean region. After all, they render the important environmental task of preventing flooding and erosion because they absorb storm water.

Another reason why trees are so essential to our well-being is because of their ability to provide shelter and a home for a variety of wildlife species. Animals such as squirrels bats insects and birds all benefit from the canopy provided by trees and forests. They not only provide a safe haven for these animals but also give them food from fruits and nuts.

When it comes to air quality, trees do the important job of intercepting and trapping dust and other harmful pollutants from the air. The trees’ shade offers valuable protection from dangerous ultraviolet radiation from the sun. 

In the Caribbean, climate change is seen as one of the main drivers of ecological impacts on mangroves. The destruction of trees and forests leads to massive alterations of these ecosystems. Nevertheless, mangrove forests are considered a highly resilient ecosystem that can adapt and adjust to changing conditions. Conservation efforts can help to restore forests and can play a fundamental role in the aid of climate change adaptation strategies.

Greenery and vegetation also assist with improvements in the mental health of human beings, so the benefits of trees and forests go beyond our physical health. Conducting activities in nature has been proven to considerably reduce depression and stress levels. Surrounding oneself with trees is sometimes prescribed by mental health professionals for burnout and anxiety. 

Trees play a social role in bringing people together because they serve as a meeting place for members of a community and may also promote a sense of pride among people in a neighbourhood. People usually use trees and woodland areas for social gatherings to escape city landscapes. Bird-watching, picnics, and educational activities are just a few of the many ways people enjoy trees.

So we can clearly see that humans, animals, and the environment need trees for our very survival.  That is why it is incumbent on all of us to consider tree planting and other environmental conservation practices as a top priority. We must work harder to battle the deforestation that is taking place, by planting trees for the benefit of mankind.

When we plant trees, we contribute to international efforts at reforestation. If we restore lost forests we will help to repair damaged ecosystems and alleviate climate change.  By helping to plant trees, you can also help people in the Caribbean especially those in coastal communities, who are affected by weather and climate changes.

The Caribbean tree planting project is actively working to battle deforestation by engaging in tree planting initiatives that involve the community. They have partnered with the Caribbean Tree Planting project as the Bay Islands’ lead partner. This project has undertaken the challenge of planting 1 million trees in the Caribbean whilst also rallying local communities and partner organizations in climate change action.

Find out how you can support these initiatives here at Suppport Roatan and the Bay Islands Tree Planting Project!!!