By Chantalé Flecther
IN commemoration of her second year as MP for St Augustine, Khadijah Ameen has launched a “1,000 Tree Initiative” on Wednesday.
Ameen said the idea of the initiative was so overwhelming that it grew from ten to now 1000 trees.
It was launched at Helping Hands Recreational Grounds, Streatham Lodge Road Extension, St Augustine South on Wednesday.
Ameen said there will be ten days of tree planting in different parts of the country.
The speakers at the ceremony included constituents and representatives from numerous NGOs.
Ameen said that the holistic solution to the environmental ills of flooding and landslips has to be more comprehensive and sustainable.
She said, “I have the support of several of my UNC MPs in this 1,000 Tree Project and I hope as part of a political party and Opposition that is preparing to go into Government, that these sustainable solutions will make their way into national policy because of the belief of myself and other people around who are very firm in finding long term sustainable solution.”
Local Government Councillor for St Augustine South, Piarco\St Helena Richard Rampersad said the project’s aim was to address the critical situation of climate emergency and to protect the environment.
Rampersad said, “Planting trees have mitigated the effects of flooding as the trees intercept rainfall which will slow the rate in which water flows into rivers whereby reducing the risk of bursting the river banks.”
In addition, he added trees also help alleviate food crisis shortage, air pollution, and loss of biodiversity in Trinidad and Tobago and reduce soil erosion
He said, “The protection of sustenance of our environment remains one of our top priorities and we intend to take this initiative further and spread awareness of conservation of our country.”
Rampersad encouraged persons to join Ameen and get on board with this initiative to transform the country.
He said by planting trees, the environment will ultimately be at cooler temperatures, as they will provide shade and release water.
