Kids Get Excited About Nature Across Caribbean

April 9, 2013 /3BL Media/ - Primary schools across St. Lucia are bubbling with excitement after being visited by a White-breasted Thrasher, Iguana, Coral and “Tin Tin” as part of a series of activities that are being led by PCI Media Impact as part of My Island-My Community. The students played, sang and asked questions with the mascots as part of a campaign to raise awareness about the important role that nature plays in protecting the community from climate change. The colorful mascots and students danced to a specially produced theme song and visiting representatives shared information about the importance of protecting local mangrove and watershed areas, with particular attention to the benefits of the Mankòtè Mangrove, one of two RAMSAR sites on St. Lucia, to the surrounding community. Secondary school students were also in awe when popular recording musicians from St. Lucia performed at their schools. The musicians performed their popular songs in an outdoor concert with the themes in the music addressing climate change and biodiversity. In an effort to prepare the musicians to effectively address the climate change theme, the musicians attended a half day seminar conducted by the coalition agencies and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Secretariat. It is expected that the exposure to information regarding climate change issues will influence their future musical writings. To date, St. Lucian musicians namely; Ronald “Boo” Hinkson, “Scady P”, “Minelle”, “Nintus”, “Ambi”, “Mongstar”, Shayne Ross and “Q Pid” have confirmed their willingness to attend school and community visits. During the secondary school activities, students were engaged in discussion on climate change, biodiversity conservation and the role of mangroves in eco-system function, with professionals from the coalition, as well as with the visiting local musicians. Students were also treated to various memorabilia and promotional material on climate change. The school visits will culminate in a community cleanup of the Mankòtè