Their branches and roots form homes for many animals. Oxygen flows from their green leaves, allowing us and everything else to breath. Their flowing buds are food for insects and birds. Sweet fruits feed our communities and other species. Their long, deep roots hold the soil tightly, and create a world underground for all sorts of creatures that keep the soil healthy. Shady canopies provide shelter from the heat.

In the Cayman Islands, some trees are landmarks that have helped us describe directions for generations. In days of old, children listened to stories and learned valuable skills sitting beneath the shade of Sea Grape and Almond trees. 

Many trees make a forest ecosystem, and together, they provide the natural resources that the economies and people of the world depend on, like water, oxygen, medicine, wood, fuel, minerals. These natural services are priceless. In other words, trees create conditions that allow life to grow and flourish.

But, around the world, forests are being lost to land use change. People need places to live and food to eat, and we need minerals to create the technology we use daily. Industries like development and agriculture are essential, and so are healthy, intact forest ecosystems.

We created the National Tree Planting Programme because our communities, our economy and our biodiversity depend on trees.

So, let's green Cayman, nuh! Will you join us?