In recognition of World Wetlands Day, the Ministry of Water, Environment and Climate Change today joined partner agencies and community members in an intensive mangrove forest clean‑up exercise in Parottee, St Elizabeth.

The clean-up follows damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, which deposited heavy-duty waste and debris, such as fallen trees and household appliances, into the mangrove ecosystems. Mangroves play a vital role in coastal protection, biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation.

Rapid post‑hurricane assessments revealed that nearly 25% of Jamaica’s mangrove forests were degraded, increasing vulnerability along coastlines and threatening livelihoods, homes, and marine ecosystems. Clearing debris is a necessary first step to allow natural regeneration of mangrove seedlings and to facilitate targeted replanting efforts.

Matthew Samuda, Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change noted that the initiative demonstrates the Government’s whole‑of‑society approach to environmental stewardship.

“Mangroves are among Jamaica’s most powerful natural defences against storm surge and climate impacts. Restoring these ecosystems is not optional; it is essential to protecting communities, livelihoods, and our long‑term resilience,” said Minister Samuda.

He added that meaningful environmental restoration requires coordinated action and sustained commitment.

“Today’s exercise is a prime example of how government agencies, communities, and partners can work together to deliver practical solutions that protect both people and the environment,” the minister noted.

In a sustainable reuse effort, wood from fallen trees will be chipped and repurposed to support the Forestry Department’s nursery operations and national tree-planting programmes.

Additionally, the National Water Commission (NWC) provided immediate community support by refilling household water tanks and containers during the clean-up exercise.

The initiative brought together staff volunteers from the Forestry Department, National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), National Water Commission (NWC), and the Jamaica Public Service (JPS).