Tuesday, September 14 – The Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour and the Conservation and Fisheries Department will host a Climate Change Stakeholders Consultation, on Monday, September 20, 2010 at the Central Administration Complex Breezeway at 7:00 p.m.
Chief Conservation and Fisheries Officer, Mr. Bertrand Lettsome said that the Consultation is an open forum for persons to learn more about the important issues of climate change and how it is affecting and will continue to affect life in the Virgin Islands.
Mr. Lettsome went on to explain, “More importantly, the consultation will be a conversation, giving members of the public an opportunity to suggest ways and provide feedback on strategies to reduce the impacts of climate change as the feedback from the consultation will be used in the drafting of the Virgin Islands, Climate Change Adaptation Strategy Policy and Strategy”.
Environmental Officer and Climate Change Coordinator, Ms. Angela Burnett Penn said that some climate change impacts have been identified across many sectors and areas in the Virgin Islands, including impacts to human health, human settlements, critical infrastructure, energy, water resources, agriculture and fisheries, tourism, insurance and banking, beach and shoreline stability, coastal and marine ecosystems, and forestry and biodiversity.
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“Everyone is affected by climate change, so the consultation is open to everyone, regardless of their occupation, background or place of residence”, Ms. Penn explained.
The Conservation and Fisheries Department is encouraging the public to read the Green Paper in order to become familiar with climate change issues and what can be done to protect our islands, properties, and ourselves.
The snapshot version of The Virgin Islands Climate Change Green Paper is showcased in full at the “Climate Change and the Virgin Islands Exhibit”, east atrium of the Central Administration Building for the month of September and also available on the department’s website at www.bvidef.org
The Conservation and Fisheries Department seeks to ensure that the environment, Fisheries Industry and the resources base on which they depend are managed in a sustainable manner for the greatest possible benefit of the people of the Virgin Islands.
