Central Forest Reserve Park joins The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy Initiative

London, England (19 November, 2016) – Consistent with its commitment to environmental sustainability, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has lauded Her Majesty’s service to the Commonwealth by joining The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy. The initiative represents a Pan-Commonwealth effort aimed at preserving and conserving – for future generations – one of the key but increasingly vulnerable assets of our natural ecosystem.

In that regard, the area highlighted as part of The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy is the Central Forest Reserve (CFR), which was designated a National Park by the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis on 23 October 2006. It was the first National Park to be designated for the purposes of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. The Park comprises the entire area of St. Kitts’ Central Range above the 1,000-foot contour – an area of nearly 10,000 acres. By becoming a part of the Commonwealth Canopy, St. Kitts and Nevis is redoubling its commitment to protecting the unique bio-diversity of the Federation.

The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy initiative was officially launched today at Buckingham Palace in the presence the Hon. Shawn Richards, Deputy Prime Minister of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis as well as His Excellency Dr Kevin M. Isaac, High Commissioner, who received a Certificate on behalf of the Government. St. Kitts and Nevis joins other CARICOM Member States such as Jamaica, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines in becoming a part of this historic conservation initiative.

“Our participation in this initiative speaks to our Unity Government’s commitment to environmental sustainability and we must commend Her Majesty for marshalling such remarkable commitment across the Commonwealth for environmental protection” said the Deputy Prime Minister, who was presented privately to Her Majesty. The launch of the Commonwealth Canopy precedes the visit to the Federation of HRH Prince Henry of Wales to the Federation, later this month, where he will be unveiling the dedication to the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy.