In commemoration and celebration of this year’s International Day of the Forest, Minister of Agriculture Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai along with the Hon. Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development, planted timber and fruit trees at three different high schools in Belmopan.

A total of 40 Fruit trees were donated to the Ministry of Sustainable Development by the Ministry of Agriculture to commemorate this event.

In 2012, the United Nations Assembly declared March 21st as the International Day of Forests with the objective to raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests.

This year’s theme, “Healthy Forests for Healthy People,” brings awareness to forests and how much our forests contribute to our health. Forests also provide countless important health benefits, such as fresh air, clean water and aesthetically pleasing sceneries and landscapes. Healthy forests and a healthy environment are directly linked to healthier lives. Over the past 100 years, Belize has invested significantly in protecting and managing its natural capital for the benefit of Belizeans. It boasts 60.9% of forest cover with a 0.75% deforestation rate, which include protected natural areas, wetlands and mangroves, contributing over 20% to Belize’s GDP.