ST.JOHN'S Antigua, February 6th, 2012  --  The health of mangrove ecosystems continues to be the focus of the Environment Division’s Education Unit within the year 2012. Focus is now being placed on the mangrove systems in the Johnson’s Point area as the Division and the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) consider activities commemorating World Wetlands Day.

“We are looking at programs that will involve the whole community and encourage an understanding of mangroves and their functions. People take better care of what they understand.” said Environment Education Officer Arica Hill.

She continued “We are still in the planning phase of this activity but we hope to include other agencies and departments as we seek to bring greater awareness to the issues relating to mangrove ecosystems.”

“Some time ago we did a cleanup in Cockle Bay and we collected enough waste to fill a 10 ton truck by the end of the day,” stated Program Manager of the NSWMA Mr. David Spencer. “So we feel that it is necessary to educate community members about the uses and functions of the mangroves, especially because so many from this area rely upon them for fisheries. The hope is that from these activities we will see a change in behavior particularly as it relates to waste”

This year World Wetlands Day is being celebrated under the theme “Wetland Tourism: A Great Experience”. The team intends to show a significant link between the health of wetlands, specifically mangroves, and the tourism product.

World Wetland Day, is celebrated annually on February 2.

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