B.V.I. Tuesday, September 8 – The Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour and the Conservation and Fisheries Department invite volunteers to be a part of the 24th annual International Coastal Clean-up to be held in the Territory on Saturday, September 19.
The International Coastal Cleanup is sponsored by Ocean Conservancy based in Washington, DC and is a 100% volunteer effort where persons can spend approximately three hours cleaning a local beach, waterway or coastline by removing trash and unwanted debris from that vicinity.
Fisheries Extension Assistant in the Conservation and Fisheries Department Mrs. Jasmine Bannis is seeking the public’s support for this cleanup initiative and encourages volunteers to make it a group event.
“Through groups we can accomplish much more that our individual efforts can afford. We welcome individual efforts but cannot stress enough how important group and ultimately community efforts will be in maximizing the clean up area,” Mrs. Bannis said.
In addition to the International Coastal Clean-up the Conservation and Fisheries Department will embark on a local coastal clean-up from September 9 until October 9.
“As we are a coastal community, our efforts should extend beyond that day and ultimately throughout the year. Keeping our coastline areas in pristine condition unwittingly benefits the Territory’s tourism product, marine life and enhances national pride,” the Fisheries Extension Assistant said.
As information from the local clean up is dispatched to Ocean Conservancy for analysis and compilation the Conservation and Fisheries Department is requesting volunteers to accurately record the type of trash removed, the total number of bags and estimated weight collected.
The department is further encouraging persons to form groups with friends, students and peers or to register their organization to take part in this beautification initiative. Before and after photos of the site are encouraged.
The International Coastal Clean-up initiative is committed to protecting coastal environments and ocean life. The event is the world’s largest one-day volunteer effort to help the marine and coastal environment.
To find out more information or to volunteer, persons and groups may contact Mrs. Jasmine Bannis at the Conservation and Fisheries Department at 494-5681. Registration forms are available in English, Spanish and French.
British Virgin Islands News