The National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands has been recognised for its work preserving and managing 21 National Parks and improving their quality of life.

Program Director and Master Adjudicator of the Sustainable Development Goals World Records Mr. Thirupathi Nachiappan (THIRU) presented the certificate to then Deputy Premier of Virgin Islands, Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley along with Director of the National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands Dr. Cassander Titley-O’Neal.

The trust was awarded in Hong Kong last month for its work in species recovery, reforestation, environmental education and outreach, biodiversity conservation, and historical preservation.

Honourable Wheatley said, “The receipt of this award is further confirmation that we are moving in the right direction as we seek to rebuild our Territory stronger, greener and in a more sustainable manner.”

Director of the National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands Mrs. Cassander Titley-O’Neal added that it was humbling to be recognised internationally for the trust’s conservation efforts, towards the United Nations Development Programme Sustainable Development Goals.

“We accept this award, in unity, with our project partners locally, regionally and internationally, who continue to assist us to carry out our conservation mandate,” She said.

The Director added, “With sincere gratitude, we say thank you to our forefathers and the conservation stalwarts who saw the need to establish a National Parks Trust mandated to conserve these beautiful Virgin Islands for generations to come. The environment makes up our Tourism Product, which is an important economic pillar; without it we are nothing. We must be diligent and conserve these natural resources."

Mrs. Titley-O’Neal further added that conservation is a mammoth task that cannot be done alone, and that there are many ways in which persons can get involved, including volunteering within various parks and/or environmental programmes, hosting fundraisers, donating land for conservation, or by monetary donations.

The National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands continues to strive for excellence in green initiatives and sustainable development as well as the preservation and protection of species throughout the Virgin Islands.

NOTES:

Photo 1: Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration Honourable Vincent Wheatley and Program Director and Master Adjudicator of SDG World Records Mr. Thirupathi Nachiappan

Photo 2: Director of the National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands and Program Director and Master Adjudicator of SDG World Records Mr. Thirupathi Nachiappan

(Photo credit: Provided).