The conference, “Fostering a Green Culture in Small Island Nations”, which will be held in Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands on November 18th through 20^th 2007,  will also serve as a venue for Ministerial Heads and Ministers of the Environment from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the British Overseas Territories to meet and discuss policy initiatives, legislative advancements, technological innovations and research that have been undertaken in environmental management in their respective countries.

 Mr. Gore, will share his theme of Thinking Green:  Economic Strategy for the 21^st Century, arguing that the physical changes in our planet will eventually influence our global economy.  He will encourage business audiences to consider broader issues – environmental, social and political – when planning economic strategy.

“We are honored to bring together these distinguished leaders and organizations for a thoughtful discussion on the role the Caribbean Nations play in support of environmental sustainability in the coming millennium”, expressed the Honorable Michael Misick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands.  “It is our hope that this conference will result in policy initiatives and cooperation in environmental conservation and development in the Caribbean that will significantly impact the quality of life for our citizens.”  

The Environmental Conference will serve as a culmination of the Turks and Caicos Government’s efforts to commemorate the Year of the Environment, declared at the beginning of 2007 with two key objectives: to  raise the level of environmental consciousness throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands and  to develop public and private partnership arrangements in managing the environment.

Accomplishments include investment of over $5 million dollars annually in the upkeep of the reef and the environment.  In addition, activities including beach clean-ups, tree-planting exercises, endorsement of environmentally friendly products and equipment and environmental workshops have been held throughout the year.

The Conference will be held at Beaches Resort which has been Green Globe Certified  by the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism and will feature topics to address the U.N Millennium Development Goal of Ensuring Environmental Sustainability. 

The Turks and Caicos Islands under the theme ‘Beautiful by Nature’ is known for its almond sandy beaches, natural coral reefs, healthy mangroves and wetlands and tidal flats. These wonderful ecosystems provide a haven for wildlife, as well as crucial life support systems for the fisheries and tourism industries. “The Government of Turks and Caicos Islands, my Government, is determined to maintain these ecological attributes for the present and future generations of our country” said the Honorable McAllister Hanchell, Minister of Natural Resources

Jack Sobel, Ocean Conservancy's Director for Strategic Conservation Science and Policy, stated:  "This is a great opportunity to advance ecosystem protection for economically and ecological valuable resources within the Turks and Caicos and throughout the Caribbean, one of the world's most vital, diverse, and vulnerable ocean hotspots."

            The Ministry of Natural Resources, Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands is coordinating the Environmental Conference. For more information, you may contact:

Ms. Nerdin St. Rose at nerdin@accessmarketing.tc (649) 231-9092

Ms. Andrea Bassett at abassett.tcig@gmail.com (649) 941-7448