TUI Care Foundation launches reforestation initiative in Jamaica’s Cockpit Country - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

The TUI Care Foundation has introduced TUI Forest Jamaica, a two-year programme designed to support forest restoration and sustainable livelihoods in Jamaica’s Cockpit Country. Developed in partnership with the Southern Trelawny Environmental Agency (STEA), the initiative targets one of the island’s most environmentally significant regions.

Cockpit Country, located in west-central Jamaica, covers approximately 94,000 hectares of karst limestone terrain. The area supplies around 40 percent of Jamaica’s freshwater resources and hosts a high concentration of endemic plant and animal species. Despite its ecological importance, parts of the forest landscape remain under pressure from land conversion, uncontrolled fires and climate-related stress.

Addressing ecological and socio-economic pressures

While 73,000 hectares of Cockpit Country are designated as protected, surrounding sections and adjoining private lands continue to face degradation risks. Approximately 70,000 residents living across 59 neighbouring communities often depend on forest resources due to limited employment opportunities.

The project seeks to mitigate these pressures by linking conservation efforts with alternative income sources.

Large-scale native tree planting

As part of the programme, 32,000 native trees will be planted in forest reserve zones affected by agricultural conversion. Restoration activities will be coordinated through Local Forest Management Committees, with STEA mobilising community participation.

An additional 8,000 agroforestry trees will be introduced to support eco-tourism development. According to project planners, this component is intended to reduce soil erosion, diversify land use and create incentives for private landowners to engage in restoration efforts.

Community infrastructure and skills development

A seedling nursery will be established to supply planting material, creating local employment in plant cultivation and facility management. The programme also includes training for 25 women and men as tour guides and hosts, focusing on biodiversity awareness and sustainable tourism practices.

Infrastructure improvements will involve the refurbishment of restrooms, a visitor centre and an outdoor kitchen, alongside the reopening of trails. Educational signage and storyboards will provide visitors with ecological context.

Employment and visitor engagement

The TUI Care Foundation estimates that more than 1,700 people will benefit directly from awareness campaigns and restoration activities. The initiative is expected to generate 53 jobs within local communities.

Enhanced eco-tourism facilities aim to accommodate over 2,000 tourists and schoolchildren, integrating environmental education with nature-based tourism experiences. An adopt-a-tree programme will offer visitors opportunities to financially support long-term conservation activities.

Part of broader reforestation agenda

The Jamaica project forms part of the TUI Care Foundation’s “Forest February”, a series of activities dedicated to community-led reforestation and sustainable agroforestry models. The programme highlights the growing role of tourism-linked conservation strategies in safeguarding forest ecosystems while supporting local economic resilience.

Image Credit: © TUI