Schools across the Virgin Islands are getting “green” with improved waste management, resource conservation, and improved gardens thanks to the BVI SMART Schools Project partner Green VI.

Director of Disaster Management Jasen Penn said the BVI SMART Schools Project, supported by the Resilience, Sustainable Energy and Marine Biodiversity (RESEMBID) programme and managed by the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), has been bolstered by Green VI’s expertise in eco-friendly practices.

Mr. Penn said, “One element of reducing disaster risk for students is working to reduce their contributions toward climate change, which is why the green checklist was adopted.” He said of the 133-point rubric assessing schools’ action in areas like energy and water conservation, and waste reduction with Green VI’s support has made a big impact on schools’ ability to go green.

Green VI Executive Director Charlotte McDevitt said the non-profit organisation was eager to support schools as a way to reach future leaders.

Ms McDevitt said, "At Green VI, we believe that sustainability starts at the grassroots level, and schools serve as ideal platforms for nurturing environmental consciousness and resilience," she said, adding, "Through the BVI SMART Schools Project, we have implemented sustainability practices that mitigate climate risks and empower future generations to become the eco-conscious leaders needed to conserve and regenerate the natural systems we depend on for the survival of life on Earth.”

One of Green VI's key initiatives within the project is the establishment and revitalisation of school gardens, which provide students with hands-on learning about agriculture, nutrition, composting and environmental conservation. Gardening activities promote food security, foster appreciation for local ecosystems, and teach sustainable farming practices.

Speaking on the importance of the SMART Schools Project, Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Sharie de Castro said that the Government of the Virgin Islands is committed to cultivating resilient communities.

“The Virgin Islands is not exempt from the effects of climate change. That is why we must equip our schools with the tools and knowledge to adapt and thrive in a changing world.” She added, “In a short time we have seen Green VI’s commitment to spearheading sustainability efforts through their participation in the BVI SMART Schools Project, by creating resilient learning environments that inspire positive change and innovation.”

Another component of the project has Green VI conducting water and energy audits in partnership with the Ministry of Education’s school maintenance team. These audits identify opportunities for conservation and greater efficiency, which will help the Ministry of Education implement strategies to reduce the environmental footprint of all VI schools.

Green VI is also supporting target schools with rainwater harvesting systems, drinking water systems to reduce dependence on plastic water bottles and energy-efficient lighting.

Target schools are benefitting from campus recycling programmes, educating students on the importance of waste reduction and proper recycling practices. Green VI’s recycling bins and waste management initiatives help students understand how to reduce waste at school and at home, empowering students to create a cleaner, healthier environment.

The recycling programme is closely linked to the BugOut programme, because of the link between litter and mosquito breeding sites. BugOut seeks to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, with campus and community clean-ups, monthly checks for mosquito breeding sites, and the installation of mosquito traps.

For more information about Green VI's sustainability initiatives and its involvement in the BVI SMART Schools Project, please visit www.greenvi.org.

Caption 1: Green VI outreach officers led students in mosquito breeding site inspections on campus. (Photo credit: Green VI)

Caption 2: Garden classrooms provide students with hands-on learning about agriculture, nutrition, composting and environmental conservation.  (Photo credit: Green VI)

Caption 3: Students learned about the waste cycle and material recycling process at the Green VI Eco Park. (Photo credit: Green VI)

About BVI DDM

The Virgin Islands Department of Disaster Management aims to protect lives and maintain a resilient, sustainable economy and society by fostering comprehensive disaster management and climate change adaptation as a way of life.

About RESEMBID

The Resilience, Sustainable Energy and Marine Biodiversity (RESEMBID) Programme is a 47-project programme funded by the European Union and implemented by Expertise

France - the development cooperation agency of the Government of France and supports sustainable human development efforts in 12 Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) - Aruba, Anguilla, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Curaçao, Montserrat, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Saint Barthélemy, Sint Maarten and Turks and Caicos Islands.

About Green VI

Established in 2009, Green VI is a leading environmental organization in the British Virgin Islands, dedicated to promoting sustainability through initiatives in waste reduction, recycling, reducing mosquito-borne diseases, energy efficiency, innovation, and environmental education.