A Plan for the Planet on Environment Day

Mangroves � a key element in Cayman�s eco-system.

A mastic Birch. Environment Day provides a perfect
excuse for planting more trees.

Wednesday, June 1, 2005

World Environment Day 5 June, is a United Nations initiative to stimulate awareness of the natural world and encourage people to be environmentally active.

It is therefore the perfect time to join the National Trust, which has a variety of volunteer opportunities in both their Environmental and their Historic Programmes. Log on to www.nationaltrust.org.ky for an idea of all of the ways that you could become involved. Or how about volunteering for Turtle Tending?

Every summer, Caribbean sea turtles migrate thousands of kilometers to nest in the Cayman Islands. Our nesting population may once have been the largest in the Caribbean � but today, sadly only a handful of turtles are found nesting on this country�s beaches. The public can help the Department of Environment learn more about and protect Cayman�s endangered sea turtle population. Contact the Department of Environment at 949-8469 and check out www.seaturtle.org/tracking . Mangroves are also in need of attention and taking one of the National Trust�s regular Mangrove Boat Tours will explain the importance of this native plant to the eco-system and future of the Islands. Cruises are scheduled monthly so call the National Trust (949-0121) and book yourself a seat.

It is also a great weekend to plant your own tree. The importance of returning some greenery to our lives in particular in the wake of Ivan cannot be underestimated as most of Grand Cayman needs a bit of a touch-up with green leaves, if everyone was to plant one tree that would go a long way to helping to bring back the colour.

Earth Day last month initiated some great projects including beach clean- ups and tree planting. Environment day provides the perfect reminder to check how those projects are getting on and initiate some more.

World Environment Day�s slogan this year is �Plan For The Planet� and if the people of Cayman plan for this country we will be doing our bit for the bigger picture too.

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