International Day of Forests is observed today.
The United Nations designated March 21st as the International Day of Forests. This year’s theme is focused on ‘Forests and Health.’ Forests contribute a lot to our health. They purify the water, purify the air, capture carbon to combat climate change and improve our well-being. In addition, trees provide shade and positively influence the local climate. It is up to us to protect these precious natural resources.
The slogans: “It’s in our nature” (TCB) and “Nos ta biba di naturalesa” (OLB + partners) say a lot about the identity of our island. Forests are an important part of this.
Bonaire has dry tropical forests and mangrove forests. Scientists assess the future of the dry tropical forests of our island as very unfavorable. This is caused by increasing urbanization due to population growth and tourism. Grazing by goats, donkeys, and pigs also plays an important role.
Reforestation Efforts
Fortunately, measures are being taken to counteract the decline. For example, reforestation projects were carried out a few years ago, and new projects are being planned. A local tree nursery, Tera Barra, grows thousands of native trees that can be planted on the island. In Washington Slagbaai National Park, STINAPA is running a program to remove the grazers. From April 2023 through November 2023, Washington Slagbaai National Park will be closed each Monday as part of their reforestation efforts.
Mangrove forests are essential in the fight against climate change because they remove a relatively large amount of CO2 from the air and protect the land during tropical storms. But our mangrove forests are under pressure due to increasing construction, pollution, and erosion due to goat damage.
STINAPA and the Mangrove Maniacs are trying to counteract erosion through reforestation. They also improve water circulation in the mangrove forests by cutting and digging channels. New mangrove trees are also being planted along the coast for coastal defense.
The conservation projects for our forests are drawn up and implemented by the local government together with local organizations. The implementation of the projects is paid for by the State. Healthy forests contribute to healthy people!
(Source: OLB)
