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Atlantic Biodiversity Display Raises Awareness for Endangered Species

 

Over 3,000 students, parents and members of the Point Fortin community gained a new appreciation for species which may be endangered at the 7th Annual Biodiversity Display mounted by Atlantic in celebration of World Environment Day.

Held under this year’s World Environment Day theme of “Go Wild for Life – Zero Tolerance for Illegal Wildlife Trade”, the Atlantic Biodiversity Display was staged over three days at the South West Regional Indoor Sport Arena in Point Fortin, and featured such endangered species as the ocelot, porcupine and green turtles. Also making a special appearance was “Rexie”, a 4-metre long human-controlled replica of a Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Najila Elias-Samlalsingh, Atlantic’s Team Lead – Environment explained that helping to make the endangered animals available for viewing by children and persons who may never get such an opportunity, was in keeping with a key focus of the company to build awareness of the need for environmental sustainability for present and future generations.

“We had a wide range of persons attending our Biodiversity Display, from infants to grandparents,” Elias-Samlalsingh said. “With initiatives like a Biodiversity Display, you actually touch every generation and have a tremendous impact, especially on children. They are more likely to become proactive adults who have an appreciation and awareness of the environment.”

Atlantic’s Biodiversity Display also included tropical rainforest animals; a wide range of fruits, vegetables and exotic plants; and also a scientific exhibit. The event also featured interactive information sessions and included presentations from the El Socorro Centre for Wildlife Conservation; ASA Wright Nature Centre; the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries; NIHERST National Science Centre: Nature’s Best Apiaries; Field Naturalist Club; Turtle Village Trust; the IMAX Cinema and its educational film initiative sponsored by Atlantic; and the Fondes Amandes Community Reforestation Programme.