'Forests and innovation: New Solutions for a Better World'

Government of Jamaica/adaptation Fund Programme (GOJ/AFP)

Forests are traditionally known for their ecosystem services, most notably for the provisioning regulating, and supporting services. They are central to the former in that they are the major sources of food, water, fuels and medicine. Part of their regulating services benefit us through carbon storage by serving as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing greenhouse gases, and climate regulation. From the climate change adaptation perspective, forests are also important to erosion control, flood control, water availability and water quality. These, along with the cultural services provided, are being increasingly explored as sources of innovation for resolving existential issues like climate change and some of the world’s most challenging problems, such as biodiversity loss and hunger. Therefore, forests are the inspiration for new industries and new professions. In this expanding era of nature-based solutions, forests and forest products are emerging as environmentally friendly alternatives to plastics, textiles, packaging and construction materials, textiles, medications, and many more everyday goods. The Programme is focussed on creating value for its stakeholders, especially those who are most exposed to the adverse impacts of climate change. In this regard, the GOJ/AFP has collaborated with the Forestry Department and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) to distribute and plant more than 30,000 fruit and timber trees. This has helped to halt land degradation while contributing to biodiversity protection, disaster risk reduction and safeguarding the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities. These reforestation efforts have been carried out in several communities, including: Annotto Bay, St Mary; Cedar Valley, Williamsfield and Sligoville, St Catherine; Nee Ground, Pennants and Bog Hole, Clarendon; and New Hall, Tydixon and Bamboo, St Ann. The GOJ/AFP aligns with Goal 4 of Vision 2030 Jamaica: National Development Plan, “Jamaica has a healthy natural environment” and specifically with Outcome 13 (Sustainable Management and Use of Environmental and Natural Resources) and Outcome 14 (Hazard Risk Reduction and Adaptation to Climate Change). The Programme also aligns with Goal 13 of the Sustainable Development Goals which calls for action to reinforce adaptive capacity and build resilience to natural disasters and hazards related to climate change. With its goals of protecting livelihoods, improving food security and safeguarding our natural resources, particularly in vulnerable rural and coastal communities, the GOJ/AFP finds common cause with the theme for this year’s International Day of Forests --'Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World'. As Jamaica continues its pursuit of low carbon climate resilient development, the forestry sector continues to play a pivotal role. This, complemented by the use of science, technology and innovation, should help to inform new and better solutions leading to a greener, more environmentally sustainable Jamaica. e Government of Jamaica/ Adaptation Fund Programme -- BREAKING THE TIDE, RENEWING THE LAND .