Call for Registrants for Arbor Day Expo 2010
The National Conservation Commission, the co-coordinating agency for National Arbor Day (celebrated on September 22nd annually), a day for planting trees, is continuing its efforts to promote the planting and preservation of trees this year under the theme "TREES; The Circle of Life".
As part of this year’s celebrations, the Commission will be hosting the 4th annual Arbor Expo at Queen’s Park, St. Michael on Saturday September 25, 2010 commencing at 10:00am until 6:00pm. No admission will be charged.
Objectives
The primary objective of the Expo is to promote the importance of trees through a practical/interactive demonstration that highlights the many products and services consumed and utilized on a daily basis, which are derived from trees. The event will feature display booths from individuals, groups and organisations showcasing environmental products and services.
Workshops will also be held during the day, focusing on a number of pertinent areas including plant care, plant propagation, identification and eradication of pests and diseases that affect plants.
A massive plant sale will run concurrently with the Expo, offering up to 20% discounts on selected plants. As customary, the Commission will also be donating a limited number of trees to the public; however this will only be facilitated on Arbor Day (September 22). School/community/service/church groups are encouraged to contact the Commission indicating brief specifics of their planting exercise and the numbers of trees required.
Benefits to the Public
The Expo will provide an educational, motivational experience suitable for the entire family. It is intended to raise the environmental consciousness of the populace primarily as it relates to trees and their role, benefits and importance to our very survival.
Benefits to the Barbados
Environmental issues affect every living thing in Barbados, from the smallest parasite to the human race. The reason for this is simple. A single disruption in the Earth’s delicate balance can mean certain destruction of the very place that cradles the lives of many species. Indeed Barbados is not immune to these issues and subsequent consequences.
One such issue that requires consideration is deforestation. Trees have been or are being cut down at increasingly high rates, whereas the importance of planting and maintaining trees is not seen as priority. If this is not stopped many unfavorable side effects could result.
Benefits therefore include:
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A people empowered by the knowledge that their choices and actions will directly affect the environment, the quality of life that they enjoy and that of generations yet unborn.
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A more informed and appreciative people will translate into a more sustainable environment.
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Restoration of deforested areas
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Increase the variety of vegetation on the island
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Combat soil erosion
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To improve the natural aesthetics
The Commission is therefore inviting government departments, non- governmental organizations (NGOs) and entrepreneurs with an interest in the environment or whose core business is the provision of products or services that are derivatives of trees to participate as exhibitors by contacting Mr. Ricardo Marshall to register for the Expo at 425-1200/1202 or 1212.
Further, Service Clubs, Community Groups, Schools and other interest groups are similarly asked to contact the Commission indicating their interest in participating in Arbor Day 2010.
