Dominica to celebrating International Forest Day on 21st March under theme “Forest & Water: Sustain Life & Livelihoods”

Dominica will join the rest of the world in celebrating International Forest Day on March 21st 2016, under the theme “Forest and Water: Sustain Life and Livelihoods”. The theme is said to be a timely reminder of the important linkages between forest and water.
 
In an official release, officials of the Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division say Dominica can boast not only about the fact that it has in excess of 60% vegetation cover, but also the country with perhaps the greatest percentage of Protected Areas (21%) and a forest ecosystem which has proven itself to be both relevant and resilient.
 
Dominica's forest maintains the river's ecosystems from which the domestic water supply is obtained and further provides the many opportunities for recreational activities like kayaking and river tubing.
 
A number of activities have been organized to commemorate the day to include a radio programs, tree planting activities with selected schools along the Layou, Checkhall, Dublanc and Belles rivers as part of Riparian Forest Restoration.
 
The Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division is urging the public to note that with no forest, there will be no rivers, and hence no water to sustain life and livelihoods.