The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment is starting observances for World Environment Day 2012 with a Green Walk on Sunday at the National Park.
This year, World Environment Day will be celebrated on June 5 under the theme ‘Green Economy: Does it include you?’ According to a press release from the ministry this is in keeping with its efforts to “raise awareness of the need to pursue a low carbon development path that leads to social equity and resource efficiency in the face of global warming and its dire impacts on water resources, food security and ecosystems.”
Under the auspices of the ministry, the Environmental Protection Agency is organising the Green Walk, Ride-for-the-Environment in Linden and Essequibo, an Environmental Camp and TV programme. The ministry is expecting scores of participants from government and non-governmental agencies, youth groups and environmental clubs in the Green Walk as there is often keen competition among groups for the coveted Best Banner, Best Chant, Most Uniforms and contingent awards. Green Walk participants will also be treated to short talent items and, at the close of the programme, President Donald Ramotar and Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud will address participants.
The Ride-for-the-Environment will take place on June 10 at 8am in Linden. The Ride will start at the Amelia’s Ward bus shed and end at the Christianburg Community Centre. At the Centre, participants will be given a lecture on the importance of this year’s theme and actions that can be taken to contribute to its realisation. Prizes will be awarded to the youngest and oldest participant and the largest contingent. The local Scout groups, secondary schools and other community-based groups are expected to participate.
In Essequibo, the Ride-for-the-Environment will be held on June 16 at 8am. Participants will pedal off from the Queenstown bus shed to the regional office in Anna Regina. Secondary schools and youth groups are expected to participate in this event and prizes will be awarded in the same categories as the Linden event.
The ministry said a panel discussion and World Environment Day message will also be broadcast on national television, the release said. Observances will also include a three-day Environmental Camp at Camp Kayuka, Linden/Soesdyke Highway for about 50 Grade Six students and 10 teachers from selected secondary schools in regions Four, Five and 10. The focus of the camp is experiential learning using the environment as a major learning tool. Participants will be introduced to skills for birding, inquiry learning and other techniques. The camp will be held in July.
