The public is encouraged to “Wear Green and Go Green” in territorial solidarity for Earth Day 2015, Wednesday, April 22.

Environmental Officer of the Conservation and Fisheries Department, Mrs. Cynara Benjamin-Duncan, said that the department is once again trying to increase awareness of eco-friendly habits by encouraging persons to wear green and “be greener.”

Mrs Benjamin-Duncan said, “In observance of Earth Day this year under the theme:  ‘It’s our Turn to Lead,’ the Department wishes to convey the importance of the earth’s natural environment and encourages persons to become more proactive, and join in a move that is capable of propelling the Territory towards 100 percent sustainability.”

The Environmental Officer urged persons to participate in the day’s activities by dressing in the colour green. She said the aim is for persons to make adjustments in their routine to produce less waste and create better habits for a better earth.

Mrs. Benjamin-Duncan added that there are many environmental challenges facing the globe, including assiduous issues resulting from climate change, and in previous assessments climate change has already begun to affect the wider parts of the world and the Virgin Islands. 

“Our Earth was created to assist our sustenance and we should do all we can to, put in mitigation measures and take care of it,” she said.

The Department of Conservation and Fisheries is also inviting all churches, organisations, civic groups and or interested individuals to join in a coastal clean-up effort along the Sir Francis Drive in the area of Slaney on April 22 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

An “Eco Walk” has been scheduled for Saturday, April 25. The walk will be led by the department’s staff and will start at the Market Square in Road Town at 5:00 a.m. Participants will walk through a special route to Sea Cow’s Bay and back to Road Town.

Persons can exercise, enjoy and learn about the Virgin Islands’ ecosystems as well as experience many aspects of the Virgin Islands history and local culture.

Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970, and is now observed annually on April 22. The day is coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network and activities are held worldwide to demonstrate support for environmental protection.

The Department of Conservation and Fisheries supports Earth Day and the promotion of green initiatives and lifestyle changes to combat pollution and the effects of climate change.