By Theresa Goodwin
[email protected]Environment officials point out the need for greater public awareness of the importance wild animals and plants to the environment.
Ambassador DiannBlackLayne, Chief Environment Officer and others called for the restoration of ecosystems by calling on yesterday’s World Wildlife Day.
Black Layne told Observer AMYesterday, the department announced that it is working to make sure that the public understands that nature is essential for life. This means that cutting down trees and killing other animals will have a negative effect on the environment.
The same attitude is prevalent in all parts of the world and it is causing us to lose the ability to live on this planet. Black Layne said that wildlife is treated as if they can be killed for sport or food.
Joseph Prosper, an educator, researcher and author, suggested that all departments, and not just the Environment Division should be involved in public education. This will provide common knowledge about the steps taken to protect wildlife. It is essential for our wellbeing as well as that of the environment.
The Environmental Awareness Group (EAG), which is also closely associated with the Environment Division, works on several projects that aim to protect wild animals and plants, as well as critically endangered species like the Antigua Racer Snake and the Redonda Ground Dragon.
Arica Hill, EAGs Executive Director, stated that the main focus of the organization has been to identify key species and recognize that if they are removed they will have a negative effect on the environment.
Hill said that it is important to think about wildlife and live in harmony.
All of the birds, lizards, and microorganisms on our islands and Antigua are important to us and to nature’s balance. Hill stated that wildlife is important to us and we need to be able to live in harmony with it.
World Wildlife Day is observed to bring attention to the conservation status and flora of some of the most endangered wild species and to encourage discussions about ways to preserve them.
