The team was invited to the school by Tr. Miranda Simmons, who was covering the topic of erosion as part of her classroom curriculum as the art and culture teacher. Presentations were given to the students of grades 3, 4, 5 and 6, aimed at reinforcing the material being covered in the classroom and connecting it to the broader topics of reforestation and climate change.
The presentations started with going over the basic concepts of erosion and the causes. Erosion is predominantly caused by water (in the form of excessive rainfall), wind and heat through the natural process of weathering. Other factors help contribute to erosion, such as human activating (for example, through the clearing of land) and roaming livestock. The likelihood of erosion increases when there is little to no vegetation covering the top layer of soil or trees to help keep soil in place.
Students also learned about the dangers of erosion and how this phenomenon could impact their lives. On Saba, erosion leads to the falling of (large) rocks, which increases the risk of public safety, especially when these rocks fall into the main road. Through the process of sedimentation, soil (particles) and other debris find their way into the waters surrounding Saba during periods of heavy rainfall. These soil particles settle onto the corals, impacting their health and, in more severe cases, cause them to die.
The presentation also touched on the importance of trees. They play a role in not only preventing erosion, but also in the fight against change. Forming a dense tapestry, their roots grow deep in the soil and help keep it in place. Grasses also help prevent the top layer of soil from washing away during periods of heavy rainfall. Through the process of photosynthesis, trees reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere – the greenhouse gas responsible for trapping heat in the atmosphere that contributes to global warming. The carbon that is taken in during photosynthesis is stored into the trees until they die. Through photosynthesis, trees produce the oxygen we breathe and help remove pollutants from the air, thereby improving air quality. They also provide shade, which can help reduce temperatures in urban areas where there is significant concrete. Many of the fruits we consume are produced by trees. This is why it is so important that Saba’s grassy and forested areas are allowed to recover and expand.
The information presented to the students was used as a way to introduce them to the PES’s reforestation project, explain why it is being carried out and how important it is for Saba and its residents as we begin to experience the impacts of climate change more and more. Trees are one way in which we can adapt to some of the impacts of this global phenomenon. The reforestation project will play a key role in preparing Saba for climate change.
