BELIZE CITY, Tues. Aug. 31, 2021– The National Celebrations Commission (NCC), collaborating with the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Management, has embarked on a tree-planting initiative as part of the celebration activities to commemorate the 40th year of Belize’s independence. A total of 360 trees will be planted as part of the initiative — 40 in each major municipality countrywide.

Each city and town across the country has partnered with community and youth groups to plant 40 trees in their municipality. The plants that will be placed in the ground in the various municipalities include Kenep (Spanish Lime), Soursop, Yellow Cortez, Golden Shower, Oleander, Bougainvillea, Hibiscus, Ficus, Zericote, Cedar, African Royal and Areca palms, and the National Tree of Belize, the Mahogany tree.

A joint release from the NCC and the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Management states, “Belizeans must continue to work together to preserve and protect the nation’s environment. The NCC, therefore, encourages residents to reach out to local leaders to support the initiative by volunteering as custodians of these trees.” The NCC further thanked the Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management, Hon. Orlando Habet, for the ministry’s support, which made the initiative possible.