Basseterre, St. Kitts (SKNIS): The Honourable Dr. Joyelle Clarke, Minister of Environment and Climate Action, emphasized the crucial role of public involvement, particularly among the youth, in the drive for sustainability, as a guest on the November 08 episode of Infocus.
Dr. Clarke shared insights on the intersection of public awareness and long-term environmental strategies.
“This is so critical because the idea around sustainability, which is long-term, really requires buy-in from the public but from the younger generation,” Minister Clarke said.
In a recent initiative to bolster environmental awareness, the Department of Environment launched an educational campaign targeting the younger demographic. Beginning November 06, 2023, officials visited schools introducing students to Captain SDG, a character symbolizing the superhero of sustainability, designed to nurture future guardians of St. Kitts and Nevis.
“The Captain SDG and his engagement with the primary schools is so important because we need the younger generation in St. Kitts and Nevis to understand, appreciate and completely buy into the idea of sustainability, sustainable island state and environmental conservation,” Dr. Clarke stated, highlighting the campaign’s focus on plastic waste management.
Under Dr. Clarke’s leadership, the Department of Environment and the Ministry are actively consulting with the public to ensure inclusive participation in the transition towards a sustainable island state. Dr. Clarke reaffirmed the significance of public education adding that it is extremely critical to the success of the Federation’s momentum towards sustainability.
Minister Clarke further stated that this initiative marks a step forward in the nation’s commitment to a sustainable future, engaging its youngest citizens as active stewards of the environment.
To date, the team from the Department of Environment, along with Captain SDG, has visited Dr. William Connor, Irish Town, Edgar T. Morris, and Saddlers Primary Schools, marking the beginning of a series of educational engagements planned to spread the sustainability message across the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.