Executive Director for the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management Dr Ronen Francis has described the launch of the Carry a Tree to Carriacou Initiative as a bold and hopeful undertaking that is expected to safeguard the landscape and legacy of the island for generations.
Dr Francis, who delivered remarks at the launch of the undertaking at the Botanical Gardens, in Hillsborough, Carriacou on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, explained that this undertaking is expected to have some impact on a silent yet powerful threat of land degradation.
While affirming that land degradation rarely makes the headlines, it is steadily eroding the land and soils we rely on. He explained that the signs are clear: our soil is becoming drier, less fertile, and poorer in the microorganisms that sustain life. This means less food, less water, and greater vulnerability to soil erosion, droughts, and extreme weather events. He suggested that the launch of the undertaking, “Was not merely about planting trees, but rather restoring the land and soil, protecting our coastal environments, and improving livelihoods. It is about nurturing the very foundation upon which your future, and that of your children — depends.”
While the impact of this undertaking will be realised in the long term, Dr Francis reminded that from now, the youth of tomorrow will sit in the shade of these trees and recall this moment, when a community came together to heal the land. They will remember how this once-degraded landscape, damaged by natural disasters and unsustainable practices, was restored and now provides vital ecosystem services for all who live and visit here.
He said, “This moment marks the beginning of a process of healing. Restoration will not happen overnight — but every one of us has a role to play:
- Students, you can learn, lead, and champion the message of environmental stewardship
- Residents and Farmers, you can continue adopting sustainable land management practices such as contour planting, composting, and agroforestry
- And to our leaders — you can continue ensuring that land and ecosystem restoration remains a national priority”
The Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM) was pleased to join the Climate Resilience, the Environment and Renewable Energy, the Forestry and National Parks Division, and the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and Local Government, to launch this undertaking. Participants of the launch included the Hon. Kerryne James, Permanent Secretary Peron Johnson (MoCRERE); Leanwall Perrotte Permanent Secretary Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs; Dr Roxanne Graham, National Adaptation Officer; Dillon Palmer, Forestry Officer; Bernard McIntosh and Tara Francis, representatives of the PISLM Implemented Integrated Land Management Project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented with support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
PISLM has also announced its support for the Carry a Tree to Carriacou Logo Competition for secondary and primary school students on Grenada’s sister isle. The Carry a Tree to Carriacou initiative brings more than greenery to the island. It breathes life back into the land, as each tree planted helps to prevent erosion, enrich the soil, reduce flooding, provide shade, and restore the natural balance of the ecosystem.
PISLM
