St Kitts and Nevis: Authorities raise awareness on Invasive Alien Species (IAS)

St Kitts and Nevis: The Department of Environment (DOE) and the Department of Agriculture (DOA) participated in the official handing over of four biodiversity bins. This was done to raise public awareness on the dangers of Invasive Alien Species (IAS). 

This action was taken in collaboration with the Global Environment Facility (GEF), as a part of the “Declare, Deposit or Pay” campaign which further is part of the ‘Preventing the Costs of Invasive Alien Species in Barbados and the OECS’ (Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States) project.

These bins were handed over to the Quarantine Unit of the Department of Agriculture, where two bins were placed at the ports of entry on St Kitts and the other two bins on Nevis. The ceremony was taken forward at St Christopher Air and Sea Port Authority by the Senior Pilot, Jamo Gishard.

Considerably, this initiative was taken by considering the need to protect biodiversity and the future. Moreover, many of the representatives were part of this activity. In this, not only the key figures from agriculture and environment department participated, however the ministers from media and communication and SCASPA (St Christopher Air and Seaport Authority) were also present.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Marine Resources, St Kitts shared the glimpses from the ceremony. Such initiatives have a prime role in the protection of biodiversity. Even which is the most concerning issue. 

Also, as the country is leading towards the sustainable development agenda, such an action can play a great role towards achieving it. This clearly reflects the efforts of the authorities towards achieving the goals for the growth and development of the country.

Importantly, the “Declare, Deposit or Pay” campaign would feature at air and seaports across the region and aims to sensitize travellers to the perils of transporting Invasive Alien Species) IAS, whether intentionally or unintentionally.