NEPA to Observe Biodiversity Day Today

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) will observe World International Day for Biodiversity on Tuesday May 22, under the theme: ‘Marine Biodiversity’.

Manager of Public Education and Corporate Communication at NEPA, Natalie Fearon, informed that the annual observance aims to reinforce and heighten the awareness of biological diversity issues in Jamaica.

She added that biodiversity is important, and encompasses all living things on earth, including humans, plants, and animals. 

“Our aim is to ultimately create a change in behaviour, by educating the public about what biodiversity is, and the need to protect it. We also want people to feel more connected to the natural environment, so they can be more appreciative of it, because all species that make up the environment are vital,” she told JIS News.  

Highlighting the theme, Miss Fearon said it is important for all Jamaicans to understand the need to protect and preserve the country’s marine life, to ensure that they are around for generations to come.

With this in mind, she mentioned an ‘Open Day’ exhibition to be staged by the Agency, at 10 Caledonia Avenue, in Kingston, starting at 10:00 a.m.

“This activity will provide the agency with the opportunity to sensitise the public of its achievements over the past eleven years, and to showcase previous work done in the area of biodiversity, focusing on marine life,” Miss Fearon outlined.

She noted that various types of species will be displayed, including the lion fish, and that technical experts from NEPA will be on spot to provide information.

“Special attention will be placed on the lion fish, which is seriously impacting our marine life, especially our fish stock,” Miss Fearon said.

She explained that the experts will also be educating spectators about how to handle and prepare the lion fish as a meal.

Spearheaded by the United Nations (UN), International Day for biodiversity has been observed in Jamaica since 1992.     

By Jeneva Gordon, JIS PRO