A YEAR IN REVIEW

Overview

The Conservation and Fisheries Department has indulged on various ventures that have encouraged the sustainability of our natural environment.  For decades the environment has been the department’s main focus, as we continue to address the growing environmental needs of the British Virgin Islands (BVI).  The department was specifically designed to address the growing environmental stresses that the BVI are experiencing.

Our environment can be only as good as we  make it. Therefore, the Conservation and Fisheries Department (CFD) is committed to realizing an environment that is well managed, protected and preserved to maintain the unique ecological features and natural beauty

With our goals in mind, the department participates in several different awareness campaigns to ensure public awareness and education of the BVI community.   As a team we strategically continue to implement new plans to effectively breakdown the barriers of waste and uncertainty of our environmental status.

Agriculture Fair

05 -11 February

With a full calendar of activities ahead of us, officers delved into the unique opportunity to gain the full attention of the public and bring awareness to the current threats, issues and their possible solutions..  The Environmental Information Division a unit within CFD, under the theme:   ‘Reduce, Overseas Dependency through Farming and Technology, in collaboration with the Agriculture Department creatively exhibited vital information on major environmental threats and issues of the BVI. The department had several colourful exhibits depicting all different aspects of the environment on the islands of Tortola, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda.   We focused on the status of our Fishing Industry, threats, issues; and also highlights on our improvement methods and their implementation.

Earth Day

22nd April

This year we observed Earth Day.  Earth Day was publicly announced by the media, as a day when millions of people around the world and in more than 140 countries joins together to appreciate the earth and its importance. 

It is envisaged that the people of the BVI understands the importance of its natural beauty; that they take the time to appreciate our pristine beaches, crystal clear waters and unique landscapes, as these are vital to our livelihoods.  We hope that many would band with us to defend our BVI surroundings and take action to assist in preserving it.  As it is our duty to ensure that the community understands the urgency of the conservation of our natural environment and the dire need to restore and effectively manage the development of our wounded coastlines and ecosystems.

Environment Month

June 2011

St. George’s Anglican Church

05 June

The Staff of the department participated in worship with Reverend Erminie George on Sunday 5th June at the Road Town Anglican Episcopal Church.  The Chief Conservation and Fisheries Officer and staff were allowed to participate in the service as Reverend George delivered a green tailored message to the congregation.  She shared vital facts about conserving and preserving the environment and gave her support for environmental sustenance within the BVI community.

World Environment Day Ceremony

6th June

Under the theme Forests:  Nature at Your Service, we embarked on a month long journey to better-inform and empower the BVI community on sustainability and effective preservation of our local forestry in the BVI.  Celebrations begun on 6th June, with our Opening Ceremony,  with the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ronald Berkeley reading the Environment Address for 2011  and declaring Environment Month officially opened following was a Tree Planting on premises - Lignum Vitae.

The members of staff and our eco-friendly counterparts assembled at the Central Administration Breezeway to participate in this very important event.  The BVI community was encouraged to  “Come and have lunch with us,” where they were urged to bring along their lunches and listen.  There were local juices available after the ceremony such as Hibiscus juice, tamarind juice and passion fruit juice.  This well publicized event marked the opening of several activities for the month.

Parade for the Planet

15 June

The department’s aim was for the parade to reach the ears of our community and teach effective preservation methods for our environment and encourage the co-management of our ecosystem. ‘ We cannot do it alone, only with the cooperation of our people of the BVI wel can get more accomplished, and can better reach set goals. The purpose of the parade is not only to show up but, to take an active role and bring a message of sustenance.  With our colourful display we are able to reach the wider community and engage in effective picketing for our environment.

We would like to take the time to thank the many schools that participated in the parade, schools such as  The Willard Wheatley Primary School, the Elmore Stoutt High School, the Bregado tlax Educational Centre, the Montesorri  Century House, the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School and the Jost Van Dyke Primary School.  This day is marked on our CFD Environment Month(EM) Calendar as a day that the BVI students and community members marched in support of their environment and took a stand, in large numbers, for the sustenance of their valued environment.

Forest a Family Affair

13 June

Upon entrance to the CFD downstairs Conference Room, visitors were invited to listen and observe as they entered the room, there were sounds of the forest as vines crawled across the wall and lizards and spiders hung from their webs, and the subtle mist of fog embrace you as you enter the CFD Forest experience.  On display were our Mangrove forest, coral reef- underwater forest, and our local green shrub forest.  The ‘Family Affair’ awarded adventures rewards and upon completion of the educational tour prizes.

Sunset Service

25 June

As adventurers from around the BVI all gathered at the Brewer’s Bay area they were taken by bus at the top of the hill to the entrance to Bat Cave, where they made their way in by foot.  The fine troupers turned out in numbers and were taken on a hike on a guided tour by Mr. Ernest Rymer.  Mr. Rymer started on the narrow trail leading us on a historical path to two huge boulders which were uniquely carved to form Bat Cave.

Environment Education - Summer Programme

11th – 22nd July

GIS Day  

16th November

The BVI National GIS Technical Steering Committee observed Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Day as part of the National Geographic Society’s Geography Awareness Week (November 14th–18th in 2011). GIS Day is a global event that celebrates geographic information system (GIS) technology, the innovative technology that uses geography to bring countless benefits to the world.

This year’s event was held in the East Atrium of the Central Administration Complex as various departments showcased maps and posters illustrating the use of GIS in their department.  A main highlight of the day featured the National Addressing System (NAS) by the Town and Country Department where members of the public were able to submit their block and parcel number or property owner name to locate their residences and acquire their correct address.

The NAS is basically a GIS System that assigns building numbers as well as street names to existing properties which allows for businesses and private residences to be able to know their correct address.  In the near future emergency personnel, postal delivery agencies, property owners, residents and tourists would be able to fully utilize accurate addresses as opposed to following directions based on relative landmarks.

Presentations were made by other departments such as Fire & Rescue, Survey, Land Registry and Conservation and Fisheries demonstrated how GIS technology is incorporated in their field of work

The Conservation and Fisheries Department continues to serve the public of the British Virgin Islands and ensure proper management of the environment and the resource base on which they depend are managed in a sustainable manner for our greatest possible benefit.

The Department of Conservation and Fisheries would like to take this time to say a heartfelt thank  you to all our sponsors who have continually supported us in our many endeavours.  We would like to wish you a Christ filled Christmas and a New Year filled with God’s Blessing.