St. George’s, Grenada, April 20, 2012: The Ministry of Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development is encouraging citizens and community groups to participate in activities for Earth Day – 2012 which will be observed on Sunday April 22. The theme for Earth Day this year is "Mobilize the Earth." This theme recognizes that on Earth Day 2012, people of all nationalities and backgrounds will celebrate the planet and encourage its protection. Together, they are united for a sustainable future and urge individuals, organizations, and governments to do their part. In a Government Information Service interview, the Head of the Environment Unit, Mrs Aria St Louis spoke on the community empowerment and awareness programme of the Ministry with focus on the collaborative efforts with community groups, schools and business organisations to address the impacts of climate change. She encouraged citizens to participate in simple measures that will have positive impact on the environment such as water conservation, waste composting, beach cleanup or tree planting. The Environmental Specialist encouraged communities to focus on specific areas that will have a positive impact. Once this is established, small grants are made available from the Ministry to support community activities. This Ministry has been working with the St Patrick’s Environmental and Community Tourism Organisation (SPECTO), and other community groups in community activities, specifically in the planting of trees along the coast. This year, SPECTO together with Ocean Spirits which has been conducting research on leather back turtles; will be involved in cleaning the Bathway beach on Sunday in observance of Earth Day. At a similar activity, ECO Pals, a St George’s University group will be planting mangroves. The Ministry of Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development encourages all to participate in community activities in observance of Earth Day and to contribute to saving the earth.