The environment will be the subject of discussion, when hundreds of primary and secondary school students, between the ages of 7 and 18, across the island gather at the RC Boys Primary School for the 2nd annual Youth Environment Forum, on Monday July 26th.

This initiative is organized the Saint Lucia National Trust supported by the Bank of Saint Lucia, which has once again donated $5000.00 to the Trust as part of its three-year commitment to the Forum.

The Bank has reiterated its concern for both the youth and the environment and is pleased to be associated with such an initiative.

According to Communications and Advocacy Officer of the St. Lucia National Trust, Caretta Crooks Charles says the overall aim of the project is “to empower youngsters to become advocates for environmental and heritage conservation.”

“This is important because if you give them the necessary tools now, this is one way to ensure that our future is in good hands, you will have policymakers who are more sensitive to the environment and will do what it takes to preserve the environment.”

Mrs. Charles says biodiversity will be under focus this time around.

“They will be learning more about animals, different plant life, endangered species, even invasive species, what should be done if they are spotted…so we’re looking forward to a successful YEF 2010.”

This year, the Youth Environment Forum is being hosted under the theme ‘Many Species, One Planet, One Future’.

The two-week exercise comprises of lectures, presentations and field trips.

The aim of the Forum is to educate participants on environmental issues so that they can become advocates for the environment in their schools, homes and communities.

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