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On Tuesday, May 22, Biodiversity Day will be
celebrated worldwide under the theme “Biodiversity and Climate
Change”. The theme is intended to focus attention on the effects of
climate change on biodiversity and complements the designation of 2007
as the International Polar Year as well as UNEP’s World Environment
Day theme.
In keeping with this year’s theme, the National
Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) will be focusing on showcasing
the value of biodiversity, while highlighting the impacts of climate
change on all living things. Consequently, NEPA is involved in a
number of activities to mark the day.
The Agency has collaborated with the Jamaica
Conservation and Development Trust (JCDT) to host a work-day to remove
Ginger Lily in a section of Holywell, Blue and John Crow Mountains
National Park (BJCMNP). The Ginger Lily is an invasive species which
stifles the growth of native plants. Its removal is an important
activity and will support the conservation campaign for the national
park, which is managed by the JCDT on behalf of NEPA.
Other activities include displays at the Kingston
and St. Andrew Parish Library and the Holywell Resource Centre,
placement of radio commercials to send messages on climate change, the
creation of a webpage on NEPA’s website and new posters dedicated to
information on biodiversity and climate change. NEPA will also be
participating in events hosted by sister agencies.
The importance of biodiversity cannot be
overstated. We depend on it for food, medicine, raw material for
industries among many other important things. Agriculture, tourism,
fishing and the manufacturing industry all depend on the country’s
rich biological resources. In fact, all natural resources are part of
our biodiversity. Within this context, the value of our biodiversity
to the growth and sustainability of Jamaica’s economy cannot be
ignored.
NEPA encourages all Jamaicans to learn more about
Jamaica’s Biological Diversity and more importantly to take steps for
the protection and conservation of our valuable natural resources.
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