GOV.VC
The Sustainable Development Unit, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), hosted the closing ceremony for the 2026 BioSleuths Challenge on Wednesday, 1st July, 2026, at the Methodist Church Hall.
The closing ceremony, held under the theme "Promoting Biodiversity Awareness Through Citizen Science", recognized participants' achievements while underscoring the importance of biodiversity conservation and public involvement in citizen science across Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Addressing the ceremony, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Sustainable Development, Dr. Donna Joyette-Bascombe, praised participants for their enthusiasm and commitment throughout the challenge. She said the initiative fostered curiosity, learning, and discovery among students, teachers, and community members, while deepening their appreciation of the country's rich biodiversity and the vital role it plays in the sustainable development of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Environmental Resource Analyst 1 Samantha Da Silva provided an overview of the origins of the 2026 BioSleuths Challenge and highlighted the outcomes of the initiative.
She presented the students' findings, noting the valuable biodiversity data collected during the competition, and expressed the organizers' hope of expanding the programme and establishing it as an annual event to encourage greater public participation in biodiversity conservation.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants in recognition of their enthusiasm, commitment, and contributions to biodiversity awareness and citizen science.
SOURCE: Agency For Public Information(API)