Roadtown, Tortola - The Conservation and Fisheries Department is pleased with the level of participation by other Government departments and the private sector thus far in Environment Month activities.
Scores of Government employees, students and private sector representatives turned out yesterday for the Parade for the Planet, marching from the Festival Grounds to the Noel Lloyd/Positive Action Movement Park, where it culminated with the Growing Green Fair.
Both events showcased various products by business and environmental advocates in the Territory and provided alternatives for a greener lifestyle.
Earlier this week, members from the Elmore Stoutt High School Environment Club joined the Conservation and Fisheries Department for a Mangrove Planting exercise with the managers of Surfsong Villa Resort.
A total of 15 mangrove seedlings were planted by the volunteers on Monday, June 8, which was also observed as World Oceans Day.
Science Teacher and Coordinator of the Elmore Stoutt High School Environmental Club Mrs. Vonetta Clarke Hart explained the benefits the mangrove planting exercise provided for the students.
“First of all they learned of an alternative, more environmentally sound way of planting mangroves. They also contributed to coastal zone protection and conservation which is excellent in this time when we tend to reclaim so much land and cut down mangroves,” Mrs.Hart said.
Kate Stephenson, Manager of Surfsong Villa Resort also expressed her delight in teaming up with the department and commended the students for the worthwhile venture.
“The youth have such a great opportunity to play a vital role in preserving the environment and maintaining the mangroves that we have. We are so blessed to live in a place where we have mangroves to explore; it is really wonderful to plant them and see them germinate,” Mrs. Stephenson said.
The Conservation and Fisheries Department urges members of the public and other individuals to become more active in environmental awareness and to unite with them during Environment Month and throughout the year to combat the effects of climate change.
Environment Month activities continue with a Sunrise Service on June 14 at the western end of the Brandywine Bay Beach at 5:00 a.m., an Apprentice for a Day programme to run from June 22-26 and the grand finale, the Fisherman’s Day Celebration to be held on July 3 at the Long Bay Beach, Beef Island.
Persons or groups interested in learning more about Environment Month and its activities may visit the Conservation and Fisheries Department’s website at www.bvidef.org or telephone 494-3701 ext. 5555.
British Virgin Islands News