- Forests are home to about 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity, with more that 60,000 tree species.
- Around 1.6 billion people depend directly on forests for food, shelter, energy, medicines and income.
Forestry
Programmes & Initiatives
Forestry
In St. Kitts and Nevis we have a mixture of forest types including Tropical dry forest and Tropical moist forests which are further broken down and include rain and cloud forests and mangrove forests. Which are influenced by factors like altitude, land use and rainfall especially in lowland areas.
The Tropical dry forest and scrub bush are found on the landscape on lower plains and slopes and normally get low rainfall whereas the moist forests are found at more mid elevations and slopes and get higher levels of rainfall supporting a much bigger variety of animal life. The rain and cloud forest are further classified as dry and moist and are distinguished by rainfall and humidity.
Another type of forest in the federation is mangrove forests which play a very important role in protecting the coastline, a perfect example is the St Mary’s Biosphere.
What is the importance of Forestry?
Forestry is essential for both human and environmental health, as it supplies resources, helps regulate the climate, supports biodiversity, and creates economic opportunities, all while being key to preserving healthy ecosystems.
What is Forest Restoration?
Forest restoration involves the rehabilitation and sustainable management of forests to combat climate change and biodiversity loss. These efforts help create resources and services that contribute to sustainable development, generating economic opportunities, creating jobs, and improving quality of life. Forest restoration refers to activities like agroforestry and tree planting.
What Are the Benefits of Forest Restoration?
Forest restoration improves both the quantity and quality of forests, leading to enhanced food security, better air and water quality, and increased resilience to climate change. Additionally, it supports job creation and economic development.
The value of forests cannot be overstated. We rely on forests for survival, from the air we breathe to the materials we use. In addition to providing habitats for wildlife and livelihoods for people, forests offer critical services such as watershed protection, preventing soil erosion, and mitigating the effects of climate change.
Dos and Don’t in the forest
Waste Management
Biodiversity & Ecosystem Services
The ecosystems in St. Kitts and Nevis forests are cloud forests, mangrove swamps, and coral reefs. These diverse ecosystems are very important for biodiversity, coastal protection, and supporting livelihoods.
Key Forests Protected Areas and Reserves
Central Forest Reserve National Park
This park protects the last remaining tropical forest on St. Kitts, serving as a critical water source and supporting biodiversity.
Royal Basseterre Valley Aquifer National Park
This park protects the aquifer that provides a significant portion of St. Kitts’ drinking water.
Nevis Peak National Park and Camps River Watershed Area
This area is a focus of biodiversity protection and sustainable development efforts.
St. Kitts Central Forest Reserve IBA
This IBA encompasses the mountain range in the north of St. Kitts and is crucial for bird conservation.
Other areas of concern
Gallows Bay Bog, Greatheeds Pond, Half Moon Pond, Hurricane Bay, Mt. Misery, Muddy Pond, Round Hill/Hurricane Hill, Saddle Hill, and Sandy Point Reef.
These protected areas are vital for safeguarding St. Kitts and Nevis’ natural resources and contributing to sustainable development.
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