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April 10, 2008
GOVERNOR PROCLAIMS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION WEEK IN THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed the week of April 13-19, 2008 as "Environmental Education Week" in the United States Virgin Islands. Environmental Education Week, coordinated by the National Environmental Education Foundation, in conjunction with hundreds of environmental education organizations, has become an annually anticipated event. Here in the territory, we are fortunate to enjoy a rich diversity of natural environments: from our pristine National Park on St. John, to our scenic overlooks on St. Thomas and St. Croix, or our beautiful Territorial turquoise waters. Environmental Education Week will focus attention on available environmental education resources to assist and improve our residents’ knowledge and understanding of our natural and social resources, thereby allowing them to make informed decisions to manage, protect and enhance our precious environmental resources. Environmental education will increase dramatically by creating a full week of educational preparation in K-12 classrooms, university campuses, and informal settings such as nature centers, zoos, aquariums and museums. Collaborative efforts will increase the number of environmental education taking place in America’s classrooms prior to Earth Day, while drawing educator attention to the larger opportunities and value of environmental stewardship. Environmental education bolsters core environmental literacy in our K-12 students by featuring actual grade-appropriate "e-literacy" goals and content standards. |
