ECO-TOURISM will be the central focus of the Natural History Division of the Institute of Jamaica environmental competition for schools, which will coincide with the annual celebrations of Earth Day, on April 22.

The competition, which targets students from Grades 9-11 comprises two categories. The categories include the submission of essays which address the impact of “Eco-tourism on the Environment, The Relationship Between Eco-Tourism and the Economy, and the Value of Jamaica’s Natural History to Eco-Tourism”. While, the poster segment has “Environmentally Friendly Travel, Eco-Tourism And The Economy – A Friend of The Environment” as the main themes. The deadline for entries is Wednesday, April 3.

NHD’s education outreach officer, Lisa Henlin, says the competition “should greatly impact on the general awareness of the environment, among the 14-16 age group”. She said the judges will be drawn from the tourism, arts, education and environmental communities.

The NHD encourages the study and dissemination of scientific knowledge of the Jamaica’s natural environment and promotes environmental conservation and maintains a collection of Jamaican flora and fauna, which serves as an information source.