Dec. 17, 2002 – Volunteers are wanted to take part in a University of the Virgin Islands project called Linking Virgin Islands Grass Roots to Environmental Equity that will enable participants to carry out their own projects aimed at involving the community in environmental justice issues.
UVI's V.I Marine Service is seeking 10 representatives of civic, religious and other community organizations to attend at least seven weekly workshops focusing on environmental issues. The sessions will consists of presentations by scientific, planning and outreach specialists from the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
After completing the workshops, each participants is to implement a community initiative project dealing with one of these topics:
– Water quality.
– Health safety consequences of local seafood consumption.
– Anthropogenic impact to coastal ecosystems. ("Anthropogenic" refers to the changes introduced by humans into the environment.)
– Use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in environmental research.
– Chemicals in the environment.
– Solid waste.
– Environmental education.
Participants will receive a $500 personal stipend and an additional $500 stipend for implementation of their projects.
Ten additional volunteers will be accepted to attend the workshops and assist with project implementation.
Project coordinator Mayra Suarez-Velez says the workshops will be held in February and March on St. Thomas, mainly in the evening, with dates to be scheduled to accommodate the core group participants.
The project is being sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection agency. Participation is open to residents of all the Virgin Islands. "Unfortunately, we don't have additional funds to cover transportation costs," Suarez-Velez said.
To register or to learn more, contact Suarez-Velez by e-mailing to M. Suarez or calling 693-1392.
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