In the early 80’s, calypsonian Trinidad Rio, sang about getting back to basics, basically putting to song a formula for our yet best approach to Adaptation^[Adaptation with respect to climate refers to adjustments in ecological, social or economic systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli and their effects. It refers to changes in processes, practices and structures to moderate potential damages or to benefit from opportunities associated with climate change.]. But planting, as we are about to suggest is a two-edged blade - cuts both ways. Planting greenery is now a very necessary action in humanity’s fight to produce oxygen (O2), to trap (sequester) carbon, and where possible, will provide material for food and shelter.
Figure 1: A stand of immature cypress
To mutilate the metaphor, the other side of that green coin i.e greenery - can hurt civilised life. Looking from present day going backward, we observe with sympathy, damage to homes and infrastructure in Los Angeles USA - where a mix of dry air, high wind and bush cover disrupted a swathe of modern infrastructure. We read about landslides, mudslides mosquito and similar pest infestation. And we fear the darkness associated with ‘bush’ as it can provide cover for people with bad intentions.
Thing is - we have got to relearn to live with greenery. Our appetite for built spaces (and roads) will never stop, neither will our need for water, oxygen and food grown from soil. (‘good’ soil needs water and organic nourishment). In 2018-2019 EnvironmentTobago along with the Environmental Research Institute of Charlotteville - helped with funding from the German Republic, planted 2500 trees along the coastal areas of Tobago. A big part of the exercise focussed on areas where soil holding plants are expected to stave of erosion thus shoreline loss. The treeplanting project utilised help from young and old/er hoping to recapture the essence of working with, not against nature.
Early this year (2025) EnvironmentTobago revisited many of areas where we had planted mahoe, coconut, sea grape and vetivier grass. What we saw was encouraging. River banks had stabilised in ‘our’ spots. Beaches were generally holding which - considering the variables of the coastal locale is good news. While it was well beyond the tree-planting project scope, the various civil secotr groups who put trees in Tobago ground over that period should take credit for securing a part of this islands natural heritage.
Two (2) more very good reasons to plant trees
Trees are valuable as in ‘money valuable’. A ten year old cedar tree sells for TT$10,000. providing cash on the spot from the woodcutter glad to get it. The up and coming entrepreneur with space on an empty plot in remote locality will be able to put five trees per 100 square foot. That said, s/he may find the idea of buying an acre and puttiing in 800 trees (evenly spaced) an attractive investment. The idea behind the loose spacing means a secondary crop can be placed among the first lot.
The loose spaced arrangement also offer the choice fo intercropping - putting in crops that thrive in shade and carries cash value. So bananas will grow well in such condition as will ginger grow between the bananas.
Note the species of tree can be cedar, cypress or mahoghany. Though the latter two will take a couple of years longer to mature they will produce bigger logs thus more cash.
Coconuts are also a great cash crop - should the Ministry of Agriculture provide assurance for support against lethal yellowing and red ring. While they ARE prone to disease, marked progress in eradicating these scourges is ongoing. The market for coconut remains wide open and very lucrative. Coconuts do not need to be too clustered, but transport access (as is the case for all woods) will be a convenience.
Coconut farming does carry an additional risk - praedial larceny. So security must be factored in early planning stages. The upshot to tree farming regardless of species is the owner satisfaction quotient. Facilitating Adaption is no small contribution to our collective futures.