Thousands of fruit trees were distributed to members of the public as part of activities to observe Arbor Day on Thursday,

Residents in Antigua and Barbuda celebrated Arbor Month today Thursday under the theme “Rise the Climate Wave”.

The day is usually recognized to emphasize the importance of planting trees to reduce the effects of climate change.

The Environment Department is celebrating Arbor Month in November with tree planting exercises.

It is the hope of the environment department to increase awareness and the number of green areas across the country which are vital to address the effects and impact of climate change.

The public has been and continues to be urged to support these efforts by volunteering to work on tree-planting activities, or by recommending a community group, institution, or school for tree-planting exercises.