Inaugural Urban Forest Run mobilises more than 750 participants for Jamaica’s forest restoration

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s first-ever 5K Urban Forest Run made a strong debut, with more than 750 participants turning out on Sunday at the Constant Spring Golf Club to run, walk and rally behind the restoration of Jamaica’s forests and mangrove ecosystems.

Held under the theme “Run in the East, RE-LEAF the West!”, the inaugural event raised funds in support of the Forestry Department’s RE-LEAF initiative, with proceeds earmarked for restoration activities in areas severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

For Ainsley Henry, chief executive officer (CEO) and conservator of forests at the Forestry Department, the turnout represents an important first step in building a wider movement around environmental action.