Forestry Department breaks new ground with first of its kind urban forest run

The Forestry Department is breaking new ground in environmental conservation with the launch of Jamaica’s first-ever Urban Forest Run, an initiative that combines fitness, community engagement and environmental restoration in support of the country’s recovery and resilience efforts. Under the theme “Run in the East, RE-LEAF the West!” the August 23 event, being held at the Constant Spring Golf Club, will mobilise Jamaicans from all walks of life to contribute to the Forestry Department’s RE-LEAF initiative, with proceeds supporting the restoration of forests and mangrove ecosystems damaged by Hurricane Melissa.

The Urban Forest Run will bring together runners, walkers, families, schools, corporate teams and environmental organisations in support of forest restoration efforts and a more sustainable future for Jamaica. “Following the impacts of Hurricane Melissa, we recognised the need for innovative ways to engage Jamaicans in supporting environmental recovery. Earlier this year, we launched the RE-LEAF initiative and encouraged citizens to participate through volunteer tree planting activities. While that programme has been well received, we wanted to create an opportunity that would allow even more people to contribute. The Urban Forest Run gives every participant a tangible way to support restoration efforts while learning more about the critical role forests play in our daily lives,” said Ainsley Henry, CEO & Conservator of Forests at the Forestry Department.

The Forestry Department is Jamaica’s lead agency responsible for the sustainable management, conservation and restoration of the country’s forest resources. Over the last decade, the agency has overseen significant progress in forest conservation, including an increase in national forest cover from approximately 40 per cent in 2013 to 48 per cent in 2023, expanded legal protection for forested lands, strengthened climate change initiatives and large-scale tree planting programmes that have engaged thousands of Jamaicans.

Against the backdrop of the significant damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Matthew Samuda, highlighted the importance of restoration efforts and public engagement in rebuilding Jamaica’s forests.

“Prior to Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s forest cover was increasing through careful management of our natural resources. Hurricane Melissa changed that reality, with 51 per cent of our forest cover badly damaged. That is why this launch is so important. Running in the East will not only support restoration efforts in the West, but also raise awareness of the damage caused by the hurricane and the need to reverse that degradation,” he said. “We must get back to increasing and improving the quality of our forests, and when participants look back on their role in this run, they will know they contributed to the restoration of Jamaica’s forests.”

Funds raised through the Urban Forest Run will support restoration activities in two key locations impacted by Hurricane Melissa. One focus area is the Black River/Parottee mangrove ecosystem in St. Elizabeth, where storm-related damage and hydrological blockages have affected mangrove health, biodiversity, water quality and the livelihoods of residents who depend on the ecosystem. Restoration efforts will help improve water flow, strengthen coastal protection, support fisheries and restore one of Jamaica’s most valuable natural carbon sinks.

Henry noted that the event reflects the Agency’s commitment to creating innovative pathways for environmental stewardship. “The Urban Forest Run is the beginning of a long-term movement that connects health, community engagement and environmental conservation. We want every participant to leave knowing that their registration is helping to restore Jamaica’s forests and that each of us has a role to play in protecting our natural environment for future generations,” he added.

Echoing the importance of forest restoration to Jamaica’s long-term development and resilience, Hon. Delano Seiveright, MP, Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce and Member of Parliament, St. Andrew North Central, said, “The Government remains committed to strengthening environmental sustainability, climate resilience and responsible management of Jamaica’s natural resources. Protecting our forests is not simply an environmental objective – it is also an economic imperative. Healthy forests support water security, agriculture, tourism, investment and ultimately our quality of life.”

The event seeks to increase public awareness about urban forestry and the many benefits forests provide, including cleaner air, cooler communities, watershed protection and biodiversity conservation. As Jamaica continues its recovery from Hurricane Melissa, the Urban Forest Run represents a new approach to conservation, demonstrating how collective action can help restore landscapes, strengthen communities and build a more resilient future.