April 19, 2017
The National Environment and Planning Agency is encouraging the public to make lifestyle changes which will support the sustainable use of the environment for this and future generations. This call to action coincides with the international observance of Earth Day on Saturday, April 22nd
Earth Day 2017 will be celebrated under the theme "Environmental and Climate Literacy" which underscores the need to empower global citizens with the knowledge to inspire action for environmental protection.
"We all have to take responsibility for the protection of the earth and its natural resources. As stewards of the environment, positive actions in our communities and at home will result in a more sustainable Jamaica” stated Mr. Anthony McKenzie, Director of the Environmental Management and Conservation Division at NEPA.
This Earth Day, NEPA will be educating the public through the provision of simple but meaningful guidelines that can be incorporated into their daily lives to protect the environment.
In discussing NEPA’s thrust for Earth Day 2017, Ms. Shaniek Parks, Public Education and Corporate Communications Manager stated: “We want to encourage individuals and families to become active participants in protecting the environment. The steps that people can take include: taking reusable bags to the supermarket to transport their groceries; using LED light bulbs to conserve energy; planting a tree when and where possible; not disposing of garbage in gullies or on roadways; and saying NO to open burning! – Rather than having your garbage go up in smoke, dispose of the non-biodegradable portion responsibly and compost the rest.”
Earth Day is observed in 192 countries internationally to increase awareness about the importance of protecting the environment.
The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is a regulatory agency tasked with the protection of Jamaica’s natural resources whilst facilitating the responsible development of the island’s urban and rural areas. It was formed through the merger of the National Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA), the Town and Country Planning Authority (TCPA) and the Land Development and Utilisation Commission (LDUC) in 2001.