Tree Planting Initiative 

What is it exactly? This initiative has directly emerged from the Tobago Environmental Partnership Conference, May 2019. The tree planting initiative was proposed and we have since received the following species of trees: Coconuts, Mahoe, Sea Almonds and Sea grapes. The planting exercise was funded by the German Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago.  

What are the objectives? 

To rehabilitate damaged coastal areas in the Tobago South / West area with a view of encouraging plant life, and protecting the specific areas which are vulnerable to climate change. 

Engage with civil society groups and include volunteers in this experience.

Raise awareness on the destruction of coastal zones. Also to sensitize and make aware the population's responsibility to  preserving the coastal natural environment. Keep aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals Agenda: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/ 

What did we plant?
Here is some more on the types of trees we planted: 

Coconuts 

(Cocos nucifera), a tree of the palm family (Arecaceae). Coconuts probably originated somewhere in Indo-Malaya and are one of the most important crops of the tropic areas worldwide.  Palms usually start bearing after 5 to 6 years. Full bearing is obtained in 15 years.
Possible Benefits:
Because of the vast areas of the tropics covered by coconut plantations, the coconut does play an important part ecologically. As a light shade, the coconut lends itself to forms of multistoried planting. With time the coconut plantation produces large quantities of residues, the old leaves and the unused coir, materials that rot slowly and are useful in reducing erosion, and in filling gullies. 

Mahoe

(Hibiscus tiliaceus) Shrub to a large tree, tangled growth, in wet areas low branches root in the water, leaves nearly round, Basswood like, short tip, four to eight inches wide, shiny green above, soft, fuzzy gray-green below, flowers cupped 5-petaled, five petals, dark center, yellow turning maroon falling at night or the next morning. Ten-pointed calyx, five seams, seeds hard, brown, 1/8 inch thereabouts.
Possible Benefits:
Besides being such a great ornamental tree, Hibiscus tiliaceus has many traditional uses around the leaves were wrapped around food to be cooked, and were also used as plates, and can act as feed for cattle.  The roots and young shoots are reported to have been eaten by aborigines. Fibre is used for strings and ropes for making fishing nets and caulking boats. The wood can be used to make outrigger canoes. Several medicinal uses are listed as well, including to cool fevers and soothe coughs (leaves), treat dysentery (bark), ear infections and abscesses (flowers), as laxative (bark and flower). 

Sea Almonds 

(Terminalia catappa) is a large tropical tree in the lead wood tree family, Combretaceae, that grows mainly in the tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Australia and the Caribbean. Common names in English include country almond, Indian almond, Malabar almond, sea almond, tropical almond, beach almond. The tree grows to 35 m (115 ft) tall, with an upright, symmetrical crown and horizontal branches. Terminalia catappa has corky, light fruit that are dispersed by water. The seed within the fruit is edible when fully ripe, tasting almost like almond. As the tree gets older, its crown becomes more flattened to form a spreading, vase shape.
Possible Benefits:
The leaves contain several flavonoids. Due to this chemical richness, the leaves (and the bark) are used in different herbal medicines for various purposes.   In Suriname for example, herbal tea made from the leaves has been prescribed against dysentery and diarrhea. The leaves may contain agents for prevention of cancers. 

Sea Grapes

(Coccoloba uvifera) of the buckwheat family that inhabits sandy shores in the tropics. Sea grape can be grown as a shrub or tree, depending on its planting site and pruning. In its mature form it produces a symmetrical, moderately dense crown, 35 to 50 feet high and 20 to 30 feet across.
Possible Benefits:
This shrub can be pruned into a hedge, screen, or windbreak. Sea grape can also be pruned into an attractive tree, exposing an interesting, twisted trunk. On shorelines it is often planted to help control dune erosion. 

WHERE DID WE PLANT? 

Mt Irvine Beach - Resort Side
Mt Irvine Beach - Surf Activity Side
Back Bay
Petit Trou
Lambeau 

CLICK BELOW TO SEE OUR TREE PLANTING ADVENTURES!

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