Mystic Mountain Foundation launches Youth Environment and Tourism Project

A new venture to positively impact the environment of three parishes along the north coast was started recently when Mystic Mountain Rainforest Foundation launched the Youth Environment and Tourism Project.

The project sees schools in St Mary, St Ann and Trelawny being sponsored by the Foundation, with the target for environment clubs within participating schools to vastly increase their collection of plastic bottles from the environment.

The effort is supported by the Recycling Partners of Jamaica (RPJ), which will recycle the bottles.

Speaking at the launch, which was held at the Ocho Rios attraction, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mystic Mountain Mike Drakulich underscored the importance of taking care of the environment.

He disclosed that the location of Mystic Mountain was used previously as an illegal dump but was transformed into a world-renowned tourist attraction, which is now self-sufficient in electricity and water.

With students from several schools across all three parishes present, Executive Chairman of RPJ Dr Damien King challenged the students to look after the environment and urged proper garbage disposal. He, however, went on to congratulate them for the work they have doing through the various environment clubs.

Students from Iona and Horace Clarke High, Moneague College, Brown’s Town, York Castle and Muschett High, and Steer Town Academy were among those in attendance. They received packages that included bags, T-shirts, gloves, among other necessary items to aid in their efforts.

Sean Witter, a teacher at Muschett High in Wakefield, Trelawny, accompanied his students to the launch, citing the importance of the event.

“We think it’s very important for them to be cognisant of the importance of protecting the environment and what is involved. We love what is going on here and wanted to be a part of it,” he told Hospitality Jamaica.

Witter said that moving forward; the school will be more involved in taking care of the environment.

Programme Manager at Mystic Mountain Rainforest Foundation, Ezekiel Russell, said the company’s thrust for a better environment is part of its corporate social responsibility.