JAMAICA'S ONLY environmental exposition, Green Expo, returns for its fourth instalment this year with three major areas of focus.
The exposition, using the slogan "A Better Environment = A Better Life - do the right thing!" takes place June 7-9 at the Chinese Benevolent Centre, Old Hope Road, Kingston, following an opening ceremony June 6.
Established in 1996, Green Expo is run by the Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust/ Green Jamaica, which aims to stimulate environmentally conscious behaviour by promoting education on environmental issues. Green Expo 2002 coincides with the United Nations' declaration of this year as International Year of the Mountains and Eco-tourism.
"Green Expo 2002 will be the most interesting, relevant and informative to date," said Robert Stephens, Green Expo chairman and acting executive director of JCDT/Green Jamaica. "In recognition of the United Nations' Year of the Mountains and Eco-tourism, Jamaica's Blue and John Crow Mountains will be the major feature of the Nature Trail, which will be a centerpiece of the show this year and one of the themes to be highlighted."
The other two main themes are renewable energy and recycling. Displays will focus on solar and wind energy as renewable energy sources, and Professor Ali Sayigh, director general of the World Renewable Energy Network based in Great Britain, will give the official address at the opening ceremony.
Recycle for Life and Metropolitan Parks and Markets will highlight the importance of recycling, and there will be a petition for improved solid waste management.
Green Expo 2002 falls within the National Environment & Planning Agency's National Environmental Awareness Week, observed from Saturday, June 1 to Sunday, June 9. The week, with the theme "Give Earth a Chance," also coincides with two other worldwide observances - World Environment Day (June 5) and World Oceans Day (June 8)
The week gets under way with a church service, continues with an environmental concert and culminates in Green Expo.
