Noranda launches nursery to support 200,000 tree-planting project
Published:Saturday | April 2, 2022 | 12:07 AMCarl Gilchrist/Gleaner Writer
Noranda Jamaica Bauxite, in its effort to reach its target of planting 200,000 trees, on Thursday broke ground to officially launch its Operation Discovery tree-planting nursery in Water Valley, St Ann.
The goal of planting 200,000 trees was set by the bauxite company in December 2021 partly to support Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ ‘Three Million Trees in Three Years’ initiative, launched in 2019.
The nursery is situated on mined-out lands in Water Valley and drew commendations from both JC Hutchinson, state minister in the Ministry of Transport and Mining, and Senator Matthew Samuda, minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation.
“With climate change, you find that we have to do many things to correct it and one of the things we have to do is to make sure we have trees planted,” Hutchinson said.
He reiterated his desire to put 5,000 acres of reclaimed land into castor bean cultivation to produce castor oil.
“What I’m really interested in and believe in is the value chain; whatever we are doing we must look at how we go into the value chain. The value chain is a very important aspect of growing our economy and I want to congratulate Noranda for the steps they have been taking especially in agriculture.”
At the same time, Samuda highlighted the importance of Noranda’s tree-planting project, saying the target of 200,000 trees is substantial.
“Today is particularly important; 200,000 trees are substantial. With the target set by the prime minister of three million trees, we know just how important and substantial is 200,000,” Samuda pointed out.
He noted that the sum represents almost seven per cent of the target set by Holness.
Delroy Dell, vice-president and country manager of Noranda, said that the target of planting 200,000 trees is in conjunction with Jamaica Bauxite Mining Limited. The nursery is being constructed with help from the Forestry Department of Jamaica.
“Operation Discovery Tree was initiated to supplement Jamaica’s tree-nursery capabilities and to increase the positive environmental impacts from Noranda’s ongoing tree planting, greenhouses, aquaponics, and other reclamation initiatives,” Dell said.
He said Operation Discovery Tree is also intended to mitigate the impact of mining activities and reduce Noranda’s operations’ carbon footprint, as well as to leave the natural environment with improved forest cover .
Despite Noranda’s tree-planting project being impacted by the pandemic over the past two years, the company managed to plant 18,000 trees last year.
Dell announced an increased target of planting 300,000 trees and said 10,000 trees will be planted over the next two weeks.