Scotiabank Employees Lead Tree-Planting Initiative for Earth Month 2024 in Partnership with WIRRED

Scotiabank employees commemorated Earth Month 2024 by leading a tree planting exercise with partner, Walkers Institute for Regenerative Research, Education and Design (WIRRED). Through this effort, 100 trees – sea grape, calabash, white wood, almond, coconut, shak shak and flamboyant – were planted at the Walkers Reserve, under WIRRED’s One Tree for Every Bajan initiative.

The trees will sequester carbon which mitigates the negative impact of climate change. They will also stabilise the soil on the slopes where they were planted, diminishing soil erosion. Additionally, the trees will retain water in the soil and add biomass creating more nutritious soil to support the growth of other trees and plants.

This is the third year of Scotiabank’s participation in the One Tree for Every Bajan initiative which has seen 285 trees planted by Scotiabank employees during that time.

Elize Rostant, Programme Manager at WIRRED, said: “WIRRED is pleased to partner with Scotiabank for a third year under the One Tree for Every Bajan programme. As one of WIRRED’s flagship initiatives, this reforestation programme gives nature a voice engaging partners across sectors to plant one tree for every Bajan across Barbados. These types of partnerships are essential as we develop solutions to the impacts of climate change on our Small Island Developing States (SIDS), increasing climate resiliency through the regeneration of our natural environment.”

Also in commemoration of Earth Month, Scotiabank globally is accepting grant submissions for its Net-Zero Research Fund. Not-for-profit and charitable organisations developing research and opportunities to decarbonise key sectors of the economy have until May 28, to submit their proposals for funding.

Established in 2021 as part of the bank’s climate commitments, Scotiabank’s Net-Zero Research Fund initiates partnerships with leading think tanks and academic institutions and provides funding to support research to advance global decarbonisation.

Managing Director, Scotiabank Barbados, Suzette Armoogam-Shah commented: “We are making efforts to achieve environmental objectives across our operations and are collaborating with key partners, such as WIRRED, on efforts to address climate change and protect our local environment. So very proud that our employees continue to give of their time to help make an impact in our communities.”

(PR)