This year National Environmental Awareness Week (NEAW)
will be observed from June 4-10. The National Environment and Planning
Agency (NEPA), in partnership with other members of the environmental
community, have planned several activities to mark this very important
event. This year’s theme “Don’t Desert Dry Lands: Protect Our
Biodiversity” is a local modification of the United Nation’s Earth Day
theme “Deserts and Desertification: Don't Desert Dry Lands!”
According to the UN, the slogan emphasizes the
importance of protecting dry lands, which cover more than forty percent
(40%) of the earth’s surface. This type of ecosystem is home to a third of
the world’s population who are considered amongst the most vulnerable
members of society. NEPA modified the theme to focus on biodiversity this
year as there are no deserts in Jamaica; however, there are dry lands.
NEAW kicks off with a church service at the Unity of
Jamaica (church) at 87 Old Hope Road, in Kingston, on Sunday, June 4. The
World Environment Day Messages of the Minister of Local Government and
Environment (MLGE), the Hon. Dean Peart and the Chairman of the Natural
Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) James Rawle will be read to the
congregation. The Minister’s Message will also be read in churches across
the island on that day.
On World Environment Day (WED), Monday, June 5, NEPA
will stage its annual WED Expo and Concert, at the Hope Gardens and Zoo in
Kingston. Schools and non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have been
invited to set up display booths in conjunction with this year’s NEAW theme.
The Zoo will also launch its “Adopt an Animal Programme”.
The concert which is targeted primarily at school
children will feature performances from schools and community groups as well
as members of staff of the Agency. The Alpha Boys Band and the acclaimed
Tivoli Dancers have also been invited to participate.
Additionally, NEPA in collaboration with our parent ministry the MLGE will
launch our annual Environment Water Safety Month Campaign at the Zoo. WED
activities will be broadcast live in two media.
The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA)
will observe National Solid Waste Management Day on Tuesday, June 6.
Activities to mark the day include; a National Solid Waste Expo which will
be held at King’s House, starting with the reading of a Proclamation at
10:00 a.m. Several media interviews, as well as a live Outside Broadcast on
Power 106FM from the NSWMA’s head offices are scheduled for the day. A
newspaper supplement will also be published in the press and will give an
additional boost to the Authority’s awareness efforts on the day. A Clean
School Award Ceremony will be held in each NSWMA Region across Jamaica and a
Community Walk in Allman Town will end the day’s activities.
On Wednesday, June 7, the Office of Disaster
Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) will conduct its Disaster
Preparedness Demonstrations in New Kingston. Additional information will be
disseminated to the media by the ODPEM regarding this activity in the
ensuing days.
World Ocean’s Day will be observed on Thursday, June 8.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) will mark this event with
the launch of the twenty-fifth (25th) anniversary celebrations of the
Caribbean Environment Programme (CEP), at the Jamaica Conference Centre.
NEPA will host its Customer Appreciation/Open Day, at
our head offices in Cross Roads, on Friday, June 9. A Special Stakeholders
Meeting on the Agency’s Applications Process is the major highlight of the
day. There will also be a live Outside Broadcast on Power 106 FM’s Laing and
Company.
An Environmental Expo rounds out the week. This is
being organised by the Longville Park Citizens’ Association at the Community
Centre in Clarendon on Saturday, June 10.
NEPA invites all members of the media and the public to
get involved in these activities. Community groups, schools and churches are
also encouraged to start their own environmental traditions this year by
planting trees, clearing water-ways and, or holding environmental seminars
and fairs among other ideas. All Jamaicans have an investment in protecting
Jamaica’s land, wood, air and water.
