PRESS RELEASE – THE Saint Lucia National Trust (SLNT) is gearing up to host a “Conservation Walkabout” on Sunday, June 25 at the Pigeon Island National Trust (PINL) from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The event, which was initially slated to be a Walk for Conservation on World Environment Day (WED), has been transformed into an exciting event that will do just as the theme suggests: “Connecting People to Nature”.
World Environment Day, officially observed on June 5, urges us to go outdoors and into nature, to appreciate its beauty and its importance. It is a call to protect the Earth that we share. This year’s theme invites us to think about how we are part of nature and how intimately we depend on it to survive.
The regular PINL entry fees will apply: residents 13 years and older pay EC$10 and children 5-12 years pay EC$4.
Patrons will get a chance to participate in free guided tours of the Landmark, holistic wellness sessions, snorkeling, visit booths from like-minded conservation organizations, treasure hunt for prizes from Sea Trek St. Lucia, Harry Edwards Jewelers and much more. Attractive gate prizes will also be up for grabs.
The excitement continues with a raffle: 1st prize – A trip for 2 to Martinique aboard L’Express Des Iles compliments Cox & Company (conditions apply); 2nd prize – Dinner for 2 compliments The Landings and 3rd prize – An Adrenaline Tour for 4 from Rainforest Adventures St. Lucia.
Conservation Walkabout will be a family affair. To that end, the children’s corner will include a bouncing castle, face painting and fun sports.
According to the Director of the Trust, BishnuTulsie, “The activity gives us a chance to continue to share the rich history of the Landmark with visitors as well as the many ways they can enjoy the vast breathtaking space. Apart from raising awareness about our conservation work, we hope to use the Walkabout as a fundraiser to support our initiatives geared at safeguarding the island’s rich heritage.”
Some of the Trust’s ongoing projects include the maintenance of Pigeon Island National Landmark, MornePavillon and other Trust sites across the island; restoring the dieback areas of the Mankote Mangroves; turtle monitoring in the south; building the capacity of sea moss farmers, charcoal producers and eco-tour operators in the south; monitoring offshore islands to ensure the rich biodiversity of these areas are preserved; a coastal stabilization project in the north and south of the island; the formation of a Civil Society Organization on Sustainable Development; lectures; education and outreach activities; and the Listing of Buildings Project, among many other initiatives.
The Trust is thankful to all new and longstanding members for their continued support of our work. We also look forward to signing up even more members at Conservation Walkabout on June 25. Please contact us at 452-5005, email [email protected] or visit our website www.slunatrust.org to find out more about our various membership packages for you and your loved ones.