Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Launches Releaf TT

Today, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries launched Releaf TT, a national forest restoration pilot initiative aimed at rehabilitating 102 hectares of land through the planting of more than 236,000 trees through the Forestry Division.

The initiative represents a significant intervention in the restoration of degraded landscapes and the strengthening of Trinidad and Tobago’s natural-resource base, with a focus on ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and sustainable forest management.

Delivering the feature address, Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, emphasized that Releaf TT represents a broader approach to restoring the ecological systems that support the country’s development.

“Releaf TT is not simply about planting trees. It is about restoring landscapes and rebuilding the natural systems that sustain us,” Minister Ratiram stated.

The programme will employ a science-based approach to forest rehabilitation, incorporating site assessment, species selection, soil and hydrological considerations, silvicultural management, maintenance and long-term monitoring to support the establishment of healthy and functioning forest ecosystems.

A key innovation of Releaf TT is the deployment of a dedicated digital application to geographically map and record each tree planted. The application will create a digital record of restoration activities, strengthening monitoring and accountability while supporting the use of spatial data to inform forest management and future restoration interventions.

Minister Ratiram noted that the approach reflects the growing importance of connecting conservational stewardship with economic development, particularly as Trinidad and Tobago works to build a more competitive and value-driven agricultural sector.

Remarks were also delivered by the Honourable Khadijah Ameen, Member of Parliament for St. Augustine and Minister of Rural Development and Local Government; Ms. Michelle Anne Thomas, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries; Mr. Ameer Roopnarinesingh, Acting Conservator of Forests and Ms. Tricia Melville, Head, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Unit.

Releaf TT forms part of the Ministry’s broader efforts to modernize forestry management and strengthen national capacity in ecosystem restoration, climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, digital monitoring and sustainable natural-resource management.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries will continue to work through the Forestry Division, technical officers, workers, communities and partners to advance the implementation and long-term management of the programme.

 

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