Barbados will join international celebrations for World Wetlands Day on Tuesday, February 2, with a week of activities spearheaded by the Ministry of the Environment and Drainage.
During the week, being celebrated under the theme: Wetlands for our Future – Sustainable Livelihoods, students from four primary schools will visit the Conset Bay Market and fishing village in St. John. These tours will run from Tuesday, February 2 to Friday, February 5.
On Tuesday, February 2, students of the Wesley Hall Infants School will visit Conset Bay at 10:30 a.m., followed by students of St. Bartholomew???s Primary School on Wednesday, February 3, at 10:45 a.m.
Students of the St. Christopher Primary will visit Conset Bay on Thursday, February 4, at 10:45 a.m., and on Friday, February 5, at 10:15 a.m., students of Ellerton Primary will have their turn.
As the focal point for the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, the Ministry is seeking to raise awareness on the historical significance of local fisheries and their contribution to the national goal of sustainable development.
Wetlands are essential for human health and prosperity, providing fresh water; ensuring food supply; sustaining biodiversity; protecting against flooding; and storing carbon dioxide. As a major source of employment globally, they are also ideally placed to showcase truly sustainable livelihoods.
The Convention on Wetlands was adopted on February 2, 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea.
julia.rawlins-bentham@barbados.gov.bb