Earth Day festivities will take place throughout the globe this Sunday, increasing appreciation and awareness for the planet's natural environment.

The very first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970 in San Francisco — named after Saint Francis, the patron saint of ecology — and has since become globally coordinated through the Earth Day Network. It is presently observed in more than 175 countries each year.

Getting a head start on most of the rest of the world, the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce hosted its 15th annual Earth Day Roadside Cleanup on April 14. The event attracted upwards of 1,500 students, business people and other charitable volunteers to clean up roadsides and beach areas.

The Cayman cleanup is one of many Earth Day-themed events throughout the entire region this weekend, which will spotlight the pristine beaches and exotic wildlife in the area.

Fewer parts of the world serve as a better showcase for the planet's beauty than the Caribbean, so it's great to see its inhabitants are committed to keeping it that way.