PRESS RELEASE - The Saint Lucia National Trust (SLNT) is gearing up to celebrate International Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 in three locations.
The theme, “It’s Our Turn to Lead” focuses on the need for all citizens to air their concerns about the necessary measures to be taken individually and collectively to address the impacts of climate change.
It is a call to the authorities to finally agree on a binding international treaty for climate change mitigation at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris in December 2015.
This first event, Sòlèy Kouché will be held on the ridge between Fort Rodney and Signal Peak at the Pigeon Island National Landmark and will feature thought provoking speeches and exciting performances.
As the name suggests, the event will unfold against the backdrop of the sunset at one of the island’s most picturesque settings. The event begins promptly at 5 p.m. with a procession from the gatehouse.
Additionally, SLNT’s Soufriere Chapter will be staging Sòlèy Kouché with performances by the students of the Soufriere After School Programme and SLNT Western Chapter at the Soufriere Square from 4:30 p.m.
There will also be a candle light procession to the Soufriere Waterfront where the inspiring performances continue. The proceedings in the West will be lead by the youth of the Soufriere Chapter.
The third event in observance of Earth Day is an activity to remove and bag the sargassum seaweed from Sandy Beach where our Southern Office, the Maria Islands Interpretation Centre is located.
This particular seaweed is used as a nursery for lots of small fish and other surface dwelling animals and plants.
Although it carries a pungent odour and has negatively affected sea bathers, ecotourism providers as well as baby sea turtle hatchlings whose journey into the open sea is obstructed by heaps of sargassum, when treated it can be used as fertilizer, compost and organic mulch for persons engaged in farming.
Members of the public are asked to contact the Communications and Advocacy Officer at 452-5005 or email advocacy@slunatrust.org to confirm their attendance or for more information regarding Earth Day activities in the north and west of the island.
Persons interested in the seaweed clean up and/or collection are asked to contact SLNT’s Programme Officer – South at 454-5014 or email southofficer@slunatrust.org.
The environment faces a multitude of challenges today. From climate change to species extinction, our planet and its inhabitants are continually facing man-made threats that must be averted.
Lend your voice to this cause, and celebrate with the Saint Lucia National Trust and the millions of people around the world who are working toward a sustainable future.