On May 5, 2024, ASEZ volunteers planted ficus trees on the University of the West Indie’s (UWI) St. Augustine campus to support the ASEZ Green Carbon Movement, a global initiative to protect terrestrial ecosystems. Joining them for the event was Mr. Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Parliament for Couva North, and Ms. Vidya Lall, Senior Instructor at the Institute for Criminology and Public Safety.
Why did the volunteers plant ficus trees specifically? Ficus trees benefit the environment in many ways. They clean the air by absorbing pollutants like carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and ozone, making the air we breathe cleaner. Additionally, they help fight climate change by storing carbon through photosynthesis, which reduces greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere. Their extensive root systems prevent soil erosion, especially in areas prone to landslides or flooding. Lastly, their large canopies provide shade, cooling down urban areas and making them more comfortable reside in. Especially on a campus like UWI in Trinidad, these benefits improve the learning environment by creating a healthier, more pleasant outdoor space for students and staff.
ASEZ Commended by Leaders and Inspires Future Projects on Campus
Mr. Ratiram congratulated the ASEZ members and expressed his gratitude for being part of the event. He said, “You all are definitely role models of our society, who the rest of youths in Trinidad and Tobago and across the world can definitely pattern their lives to- their livelihood to.” Ms. Vidya Lall also eagerly expressed her willingness to collaborate with ASEZ on future projects. She said, “I am so happy to see so many of you here doing this. I can’t wait for you all to come and spread out to different campuses, all the other tertiary institutions, and even secondary schools.”
After the event, the greenspace at the UWI campus was beautifully decorated with fresh new trees, which caught the attention of the members of the Guild on the campus. The current Secretary of the Guild expressed interest in bigger events similar to this one and hopes to involve many more students at the university in future events with ASEZ. To view more ASEZ activities, please click here.
