Working together for a sustainable and resilient future in the US Virgin Islands

We live in a magical place and it’s up to us to protect it. Our islands are increasingly at risk of various disasters. From our location in “hurricane alley” to experiencing severe and more frequent drought episodes, degradation of our surrounding marine eco systems and economic vulnerability to global and national events have demonstrated the urgency for developing greater community resilience and conserving the natural resources that sustain us.

The Virgin Islands Conservation Society is expanding its role in environmental education and advocacy to serve as community liaison – raising awareness, engaging, educating, informing, and connecting the VI community to find solutions to the many challenges we face and take positive action to protect and preserve the people and the natural resources of the Virgin Islands for a more resilient and sustainable future.

In over 50 years living and working on St. Croix, marine scientist, Dr. Kenneth Haines, served on the boards of the Virgin Islands Conservation Society (VICS) and the St. Croix Environmental Association (SEA). Ken was a passionate friend of the USVI environment. In his memory, VICS and SEA are planting Lignum Vitae (aka Wood of Life or Tree of Life) trees on St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John. The slow growing tree is indigenous to the Caribbean and is listed as ENDANGERED on IUCN’s Red List.