17 February 2026, Grand Cayman – The National Tree Planting Programme, an initiative from
the Ministry of Sustainability & Climate Resiliency and Wellness, has planted 710 native and
endemic trees on the grounds of government primary schools and public spaces since the
programme’s inception in 2022.

Having just completed its third year, the programme continues to work towards supporting green
spaces for the enjoyment and education of the community.

The tree planting programme launched as part of the Cayman Islands Government’s year-long
celebration of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Since then, the initiative has continued
to support local biodiversity thanks to partnerships with corporate businesses and community
groups, and collaborations with public schools.

In 2024, the programme planted a total of 122 native trees with the majority of the saplings planted
within public school grounds by children and staff of the schools guided by the Ministry team. Last
year, the project team organised planting events at Sir John A. Cumber Primary School, Prospect
Primary School, Red Bay Primary School, Theoline L. McCoy Primary School, and Edna M. Moyle
Primary School.

The mission of the National Tree Planting Programme is to plant, nurture, and protect native and
culturally significant trees across the Cayman Islands. The programme’s long-term goal is to
protect biodiversity and develop a society that has a positive relationship with trees.

Working with local nurseries such as Caribbean Blooms and the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park,
the programme has planted significant varieties such as Spanish Elm which was used in the
construction of cat boats, Cabbage which was used in the wattle of traditional homes, and
Broad Leaf which has traditional medicinal uses.

In 2024, the programme has focused on public engagement efforts and tree planting events. The
Ministry team are working in collaboration with the Ministry of Education to manage the plantings
safely and ensure that the tree site is also in alignment with each school’s future growth plans.

Feedback from the students and the teachers has been positive, and the events have helped to
invigorate the curiosity of young learners, sparking new interests and passion for the natural
world, and even bolstered interest in school eco-clubs.

Honourable Dwayne Seymour, Minister for Sustainability & Climate Resiliency and
Wellness, said: “I’m pleased with the outcomes of The National Tree Planting Programme over
the past year. The team’s dedication to engagement and educating the community about these
local varieties has been outstanding and I look forward to seeing the initiative grow.”

Morgan Golden-Ebanks, Policy Advisor (Resiliency) said: “Last year was a very successful
year for the National Tree Planting Programme. I’m pleased that we have been able to focus our
efforts on the community and educate young people about the diverse and beautiful trees that
grow around them. There are now more schools with native trees growing on-site. It is our
ambition to expand the programme firstly by ensuring every government school on all three
islands has endemic species within their grounds, and secondly by extending the scope of the
programme to collaborate with the private sector to regreen even more spaces while contributing
to corporate social responsibility targets.”

To enquire about donating to the programme or learning how the Ministry can support your ESG
initiatives, please contact the Ministry by emailing treeplanting@gov.ky, or visit the website
www.gov.ky/national-tree-planting.