ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, June 5th, 2012 -- Good day my fellow Virgin Islanders. Today I address you on the occasion of the worldwide celebration of the 40th Anniversary of World Environment Day and the commencement of Environment Month celebrations within the Territory.
Since 1972, the United Nations has set aside the 5th of June as a day to emphasise and encourage positive environmental action across the globe. Environment Month, organized annually by the Conservation and Fisheries Department, is a continuation of World Environment Day and seeks to augment the momentum set by the United Nations by promoting environmental awareness and action throughout the Territory. This year, World Environment Day, and by extension Environment Month are being celebrated under the theme, “Green Economy: Does it include you?”
The United Nations defines a Green Economy as 'one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities’. In essence, a Green Economy is one in which our economic development, is driven by a development framework that is grounded in sustainability. Reduction of pollution, improved efficiency in the use of energy and our natural resources and the adoption of healthier lifestyle habits are some of the key building blocks to a Green Economy.
Our national income and employment have suffered from the effects of the global economic crisis, and adapting a more sustainable approach to doing business is important if we are to remain buoyant during these trying times. As a Government we recognize that sustainability can only be achieved through careful and deliberate actions to ensure resource efficiency. This is not a job just for Government however, every member of this society is critical to the realization of a Green Economy.
A Green Economy most certainly includes you. Conducting an energy audit in your home or business to reduce your building’s climate footprint will lead to significant savings in energy costs. If you are carrying out home improvements or landscaping, seek out construction companies that can carry out low impact construction or use local and drought resistant vegetation to reduce your use of water.
Fishermen can help to stop depletion of future fish stocks by carrying out sustainable fishing practices, such as inserting biodegradable fish panels in their fish pots and refraining from the catch of undersized fish and other marine animals, such as conch and lobster.
Deforestation accounts for close to 20% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Reduce your demand for paper products by using electronic files and recycling used paper. In your bathrooms and kitchens, use hand and kitchen towels instead of paper towel.
Encourage good health and reduce congestion and pollution by walking or riding a bike for short trips. We can strengthen our sense of community by carpooling. This also reduces environmental impacts and the economic costs associated with high fuel costs.
Millions of people worldwide lack access to clean drinking water or improved sanitation services and as the world population continues to increase this problem will worsen if water is not used conservatively. Limit your shower time and turn off your tap when you are not using it.
Support your local farmers, eat local fruits that are in season or grow a backyard food garden to ensure our ability to feed everyone and reduce our dependency on food imports.
In a world of growing energy needs our current mainstream energy sources of oil, coal and gas are not only harmful to our health and the environment but they are also not sustainable. As we continue to investigate and incorporate renewable energies, look at ways in which you can improve your own energy efficiency such as hanging your laundry outside and turning off lights and unplugging appliances when you are not using them.
Reduce the amount of garbage entering the waste stream by re- using appropriate materials such as glass and paper or composting food waste.
Take positive action and participate in our transformation to a Green Economy. The Conservation and Fisheries Department has started the Green Pledge Initiative and I encourage you to make a Pledge to reduce your environmental impact and receive the Department’s Green Seal. I also encourage your participation in other activities that the Department has planned for Environment Month or you may plan activities of your own.
It is my pleasure to officially declare Environment Month open. Thank you, God bless you and God bless these Virgin Islands.
*************************
DISCLAIMER
This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKNVibes.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors or advertisers
British Virgin Islands News