Environmental Conference: A sense of Direction

UK Representative Kedell Worboys recently represented St Helena at a conference in Bermuda along with Barbara George, Director of the St Helena National Trust.

The Conference, titled "A Sense of Direction" addressed environmental issues in the Overseas Territories, and took place from 22 to 27 March.

Government and Non Government organisation representatives from most of the Overseas Territories and UK Crown Dependencies were in attendance as well as representatives from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and various environmental conservation bodies in the UK.

A number of important points were raised by those present, including the feeling that public education and awareness about environmental issues continues to be essential in the Overseas Territories. Isabel Peters, Environmental Coordinator from the Development and Economic Planning Department said "St Helena sees environmental education and awareness as a priority and actively promotes environmental matters through putting out information via the local media on a regular basis." She added that the Environment section is also working with schools to incorporate local environmental issues in the school curriculum.

At the Conference the Environment Charter was formally reviewed for the first time since it was signed in September 2001. The Honourable Eric George MBE has signed the Charter on behalf of St Helena. It was noted that progress was being made in Overseas Territories towards achieving what is laid out in this document.

Some of the Overseas Territories presented environmental success stories that had been achieved in their homeland. Experiences were shared at the conference where issues such as invasive species and climate changes were discussed.

The Director of the St Helena National Trust also gave a presentation on establishing St Helena’s National Trust, and it was noted that this was the newest National Trust represented at the conference.

Although she was unable to attend, Isabel said that one of the main benefits of attending such conferences is the sharing of experiences. "The main aim of the conference was to share experiences among territories so that we can all learn from each other," said Isabel. She explained that many of the Overseas Territories have similar environmental problems and some have found solutions that could work for another territory.

This is the third Overseas Territories Environment conference, and St Helena has been represented at all three.