Text Box: In commemoration of our Independence a natural history exhibition was displayed in the Discovery Room at the Institute of Jamaica.. This sought to highlight the natural aspects of our heritage that define us as Jamaicans and also the ways in which they were utilised by our ancestors. Natural history looks at our physical surroundings or natural environment, which often times is under-valued. Many of our native plants such as Shame Old Lady, Spirit Weed, etc. were used for medicinal purposes such as for colds, allergies, aches and pains. Traditional remedies and plants are still used even today in modern medicine. The exhibition also looked at many popular Jamaican foods and their origins such as breadfruit and mangoes which originated from Europe as well as many other common foods. Many birds, reptiles and a few mammals that are endemic to Jamaica, such as the Black-billed Parrot, the Jamaican Yellow Snake, the Iguana and the Coney were depicted in the exhibit. Throughout the summer the Natural History Museum of Jamaica mounted travelling exhibitions and made presentations at IOJ Junior Centres’ Workshops, Summer Camps, Gregory Park Baptist Church Vacation Bible School and the UDC Mento Fest and Book Fair. Displays and learning activities were done depicting Text Box: the Division’s work, ecology, plants and plant parts, entomology and endangered species. Many of the industries we depend on for our livelihood including tourism, craft, agriculture depend on natural resources that are either indigenous or brought here by the many peoples that are a part of our history. The natural beauty of our island can be seen in its white sand beaches, lush green mountains, and cool rivers. With a wide variety of flora, beautiful plants and flowers can be viewed everywhere you go. Jamaica’s biodiversity is important not just for ecotourism activities but also for our survival and is a major contributor towards our economy. We need to develop a love and appreciation for our natural environment as it a very integral part of our lives. Text Box: Appreciating our Natural Heritage Text Box: SUMMER ROUNDUP Text Box: INSTITUTE OF JAMAICA Text Box: HOT TOPICS: Appreciating our Natural Heritage Caribbean Maritime Awareness Week SOS: Oceans at Risk Our Marine Mammals An Afternoon with a Scientist Text Box: SUMMER ROUNDUP

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Text Box: Education Department Natural History Museum of Jamaica

Three separate exhibitions mounted at Devon House, Mento Fest and the Discovery Room at IOJ.