B.V.I. Friday, June 5 – As part of territory-wide celebrations to mark World Environment Day today, Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Honourable Omar W. Hodge delivered a State of the Virgin Islands Environment Address.

Aired earlier today on radio station ZBVI, the minister’s address can be also seen later this evening on JTV Channel 55 and CBN Channel 51 at 6:30 and 7 o’clock, respectively.  The message will also be re-aired throughout Environment Month in June on both local television stations.

In  his address the  Minister Hodge, who also has responsibility for the environment,  identifies several endemic, rare and endangered wildlife species native to the Virgin Islands, explains the importance of salt ponds and mangroves, outlines the significance of our marine biodiversity as well as shares issues of concern contributing to our islands effluence.

The environment minister is also encouraging the public to commit and recommit to the preservation of our natural environment and has outlined effective methods the public may follow to go green.

In support of Hon. Hodge’s address, the Conservation and Fisheries Department further encourages the public to be a part of World Environment Day and Environment Month activities by participating in social medium such as on-line blogs, mass texting, Facebook, Twitter and other avenues of interactive discussions on environmental concerns.

The Conservation and Fisheries Department also encourages the public to visit their website at www.bvidef.org for more information on World Environment Day 2009 and Environment Month activities.

World Environment Day is an internationally-recognised observance led in part by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).  World Environment Day was first observed in 1972 and serves to stimulate worldwide awareness of the environment.