The U.S. Coral Reef Task Force will give an Outstanding Community Level Participation award to the V.I. Resource Conservation and Development Council next week at a meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
"We have been working to enhance the environment of the V.I. for many years, and it is energizing to have our efforts recognized," said council President Marcia Taylor in the organization’s announcement of the award.
The award is intended to recognize outstanding contributions to the protection and conservation of coral reef ecosystems or to understanding of coral reefs. The council has a long history of working with others on projects and programs for the protection of V.I. coral reef ecosystems, according to its announcement. Its work has included development of a watershed-management plan for Fish Bay, St. John; development of best management practices and a plan to mitigate erosion into the St. Croix East End Marine Park; coordination of the bi-annual V.I. Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference; signs for the St. Croix East End Marine Park; and work on the St. Croix IYOR Reef Jam, among other initiatives by the Friends of the St. Croix East End Marine Park. Most recently, the council was awarded $2.7 million in federal habitat-restoration funding to improve the health of coral reefs and other coastal habitats.
Individuals, groups and countries are eligible for these awards, which are selected based on a group’s impact on management, research, public awareness and policy; sustained effort; and for creating a foundation upon which others can build. The council describes itself as a local non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for the people of the Virgin Islands through the conservation of natural and cultural resources and the stimulation of growth and development.
For more information about the council and its projects and programs, call 340-692-6932, ext. 5, email vircd@usvircd.org or visit the council’s website at www.usvircd.org.
