Environment Minister urges citizens to put a stop to pollution

By Sheria Brathwaite

Minister of Environment and National Beautification, Blue and Green Economy Adrian Forde is challenging Barbadians to save the ocean by not polluting the precious resource.

“What we are celebrating in terms of our ocean must never ever be underestimated. [It is important] as it relates to mitigating the existential threats of climate change and natural disasters.The importance of the ocean and its ability to sustain livelihoods must never be underestimated. The ocean is an oasis of life,” he said. 

“Every single person in Barbados must understand the importance of preserving our biodiversity. The anthropogenic behaviour that we are accustomed to unfortunately must stop. The pollution of the ocean, whether it is waste or chemicals from run offs, must stop . . . we are a fish loving community [and] country and if we continue to pollute the ocean we are polluting ourselves. It will become a health threat.

Forde made the call at the media launch of Blue Fest held at the ministry’s headquarters in Warrens, St Michael on Friday.

“Waste and the damages caused by waste pollution is renowned and documented. Just take a look at our reefs and coral that are being damaged daily. As we bring awareness to our maritime environment Barbadians must now be sensitised as it relates to their behaviour and how to treat the ocean. We must respect the ocean.”

Blue Fest is set to take place from Sunday October 30 to Saturday November 5 and includes activities such as a church service, lecture, a movie night and a fun walk.

The theme for this year’s festival is Telling Our Story.

During the launch director of the Coastal Zone Management Unit Dr Leo Brewster said it was necessary to look toward the ocean to develop maritime space as a new frontier.

He said the classic areas of the blue economy such as fisheries, port development, tourism and fish market activities are the foundation of the sector but it was important to build out the industry and explore new revenue-generating activities such as marine renewable energy, oil and gas development, seabed resource mineral extraction and deep sea exploration.

Brewster said the unit was actively in the process of setting up a steering committee for this purpose and recommendations
were being received by the government department. During the week of activities, he said, the unit would also be rebranded in an effort to recognise the achievements
of staff. 

sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb