THE Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust (JCDT/Green Jamaica) is set to stage its biennial Green Expo between June 10 to 12.

This year’s event is being held under the theme “Balancing development with environmental protection” and will focus on energy conservation and alternative energy, as well as water conservation, waste management and recycling.

“The expo is expected to attract over 100 exhibitors this year and to draw some 16,000 visitors over the three days. We are urging exhibitors to register early as space is limited and we already have a number of commitments,” said expo chairman Amber Stewart.

The 2011 exhibit categories include:

* solar and wind energy devices;

* energy saving appliances;

* electronics and lighting;

* natural home improvement and furniture;

* non-toxic cleaning, pest control and bath products;

* eco office and accessories; and

* organic yard and garden supplies.

Other Green Expo exhibitors will include traditional environmental agencies, such as the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica (EFJ), as well as financial entities promoting “green financing”. There will also be exhibitor awards for Most Environmentally Friendly Product, Most Attractive Booth, Most Environmentally Friendly Booth, and Most Effective Message.

“One of our conference objectives this year is to attract the growing number of ‘green’ consumers in Jamaica and hopefully convert many others to ‘green’ living,” noted Stewart.

She explained that ‘green’ consumers are persons who are attracted to products and services focused on health and the environment, and who are more likely than the general population to buy a product from a company with values similar to their own.

“This represents a billion dollar market in the US and we see evidence of this trend growing right here in Jamaica,” said Stewart.

At the same time, she said “Green Expo promises to be bigger and better than previous years, as we are putting together a fun-filled show that is guaranteed to be entertaining for all. In addition to the main exhibits, we will have a marketplace where smaller vendors will have the opportunity to ply their goods.”

“You will recall that last year we sold a wide range of products, such as agricultural produce, honey, plants, eco-jewelry and even flower pots made from recycled tyres, and this year the range will be even wider. Additionally, we are looking at setting up a ‘Kiddie Village’ with rides and other entertainment, such as our interactive planetarium, face painting and a poster competition, as well as food and bar. So we really are working on a production that will bring people out in their numbers and hopefully we will impress upon them the importance of preserving our environment,” Stewart added.

Meanwhile, Green Expo 2011 will be held during National Environment Week. Other activities planned in recognition of the week include the Jamaica Institute of Environmental Professionals fifth biennial conference, also under the theme “Balancing national development and environmental protection”, scheduled for June 6 to June 7.

JCDT/Green Jamaica is a non-governmental organisation and registered charity that was formally established in 1988. The Trust’s mission is to promote environmental conservation and sustainable development, with particular emphasis on the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park (BJCMNP).

The JCDT manages the BJCMNP under delegation from the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) through the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), and a collaborative management agreement with both NRCA/NEPA and the Forestry Department.

The JCDT has organised and hosted Green Expo every other year from 1996 to 2004. Following a short hiatus, the Trust resumed staging the event in 2009.