The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, through its Forestry Division and in partnership with the Environmental Management Authority (EMA), today commemorated World Environment Day 2026 with a tree-planting initiative at the St. Michael Agro Forestry Hillside Station, reaffirming its commitment to environmental stewardship, ecosystem restoration and national climate resilience.
Among those participating in the initiative were Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries; The Honourable Roger Alexander, Minister of Homeland Security and Member of Parliament for Tunapuna; Ms. Michelle Anne Thomas, Permanent Secretary (Ag.) in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries; Mr. Doolar Ramlal, Chairman of the Environmental Management Authority; Dr. Joth Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the Environmental Management Authority; and Mr. Ameer Roopnarinesingh, Acting Conservator of Forests.
A total of 156 trees, including Cedar, Mahogany, Cypre, Chennet, Pommerac, Avocado, Caimet and Jabuticaba were planted during the exercise. The species were selected for their ecological value and capacity to support carbon sequestration, biodiversity enhancement, watershed protection and long-term ecosystem resilience.
Senator the Honourable Roger Alexander, Minister of Homeland Security and Member of Parliament for Tunapuna, highlighted the importance of environmental protection as a critical component of national security, particularly in the context of food security, climate resilience and disaster risk reduction.
“Protection is at the heart of national security, and that includes protecting our environment. When we plant a tree today, we are investing in our future and strengthening food security. Climate change is real, and we all have a responsibility to preserve the environment for future generations,” Minister Alexander stated.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Ratiram expressed his gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Homeland Security for recognizing food security and environmental sustainability as a National Security matter and emphasized the critical relationship between environmental sustainability and national development.
“Environmental sustainability and agricultural sustainability are intrinsically linked. Healthy forests protect our watersheds, support biodiversity, strengthen food security and provide the ecosystem services necessary for sustainable economic growth. Every tree planted today represents an investment in climate resilience, environmental restoration and future generations,” the Minister said.
Also participating in the exercise Senator the Honourable Roger Alexander, Minister of Homeland Security, underscored the growing need to recognize environmental sustainability and food security as critical components of national security.
“National security extends beyond traditional law enforcement. It includes our capacity to safeguard the resources that sustain our people and our economy. Food security and environmental sustainability should be recognized as matters of national security.” Minister Alexander stated.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (Ag.), Ms. Michelle Anne Thomas, highlighted the importance of collective action and institutional collaboration in responding to global environmental challenges.
“Environmental protection requires a whole-of-society approach. Through partnerships such as this between the Forestry Division and the Environmental Management Authority, we are demonstrating how coordinated action can deliver meaningful and lasting environmental outcomes. Today’s initiative is a practical investment in our natural capital and a tangible contribution to building a more resilient and sustainable Trinidad and Tobago,” she stated.
The event also marked a significant milestone for the Forestry Division as it celebrates 125 years of service to Trinidad and Tobago. Since its establishment in 1901, the Division has played a pivotal role in sustainable forest management, wildlife conservation, watershed protection, environmental education and ecosystem restoration.
Participants also acknowledged the Environmental Management Authority’s continued leadership in environmental governance and awareness-building as the institution celebrates 31 years of service to the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5 and led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is recognized as the world’s largest global platform for environmental outreach, engaging millions of people in environmental action across more than 150 countries.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries remains committed to advancing sustainable land management, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration and climate resilience through strategic partnerships, evidence-based policy interventions and community engagement initiatives.
