It still feels like yesterday, when the eyes of the world turned toward the Caribbean and watched as Mother Nature proved that she is a force to be reckoned with. Although nothing could have prepared us for the heartbreak and devastation that Hurricane Irma dealt our beloved British Virgin Islands in 2017, we also never could have imagined such a triumphant comeback story.
Last summer, boat-charter company the Moorings was blessed with the opportunity to participate in the BVI tourist board’s Seeds of Love campaign—an environmental initiative aimed at restoring and preserving “Nature’s Little Secrets” by replanting the islands’ indigenous trees and vegetation.
This past November, just one year after Moorings staff photographer Adam Rohrmann broke soil for his seedling on Virgin Gorda, he had the pleasure of returning to Spring Bay to check on the progress of his budding palm. Following a quick cab-ride detour and a short downhill hike, Rohrmann was pleased to discover that his Seeds of Love palm tree was still in its original place and standing tall.
A generous donation of 3,000 fruit trees from St. Vincent and the Grenadines launched the Seeds of Love program. Since then, the campaign has gained global recognition and received countless donations. There is even a monthly schedule of events and volunteer opportunities on the website, as well as a map that shows exactly where trees have been planted on each of the four main islands.
The sustainable efforts established by Seeds of Love are still blossoming today, and will continue strengthening the relationship between tourism and the environment in the BVI. To learn more about how you can donate or partner with Seeds of Love, visit the website.
