The Minister responsible for the Environment, Rural Modernization and Kalinago Upliftment, Hon. Cozier Frederick, addressed the nation on World Environment Day. According to him, “Within the sub region, Dominica’s natural resources have been regarded as being least tampered with or altered. Substantial levels of its natural features are still intact. Our country hosts the valuable biodiversity including over 1200 species of plant and the most diverse assemblage of wildlife in the Eastern Caribbean including 175 species of Avifauna”
.Further, the Minister noted that much of Dominica’s economic activities is linked to nature. However, deforestation, pollution, over exploitation of natural resources, unregulated development, evasive species, natural disasters and the impact from climate change still remain a major threat to our biodiversity and of left unchecked can negatively impact our proud claim as the Nature Island of the Caribbean and the World by extension. Therefore the Division of Forestry continues to engage in numerous activities to keep Dominica clean and green including tree planting projects and awareness drives.
World Environment Day is celebrated throughout the world on June 5 and seeks to encourage action to protect the environment from marine population, human overgrowth, global warming, sustainable consumption and wild life crime. The day was first organized in 1974, and this year’s theme is ‘Time For Nature Biodiversity’.
The Minister encourages all Dominicans to continue the replanting and beautification efforts and to enjoy and appreciate the intimate relationship with all our diverse ecosystems.
