SHOULD EVERYTHING go according to plan by the Ministry of Housing, Lands and the Environment, the Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary in Worthing, Christ Church, would be the first wetland in Barbados to be recognised under the international Ramsar Convention.

Minister of the Environment Elizabeth Thompson, made this revelation at the official opening of Santa's Sanctuary of Lights, Thursday, at Graeme Hall.

She said Barbados was a signatory country to the convention, and, under its rules of procedure, the nature sanctuary could be protected in diverse ways.

The minister said Government had agreed that the Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary should be a part of the convention.

"In that way, it would lead to much better recognition and management of the swamp, so people can understand the ecological value and we would create a plan which would allow it to be properly managed, enjoyed and used," she said.

Thompson said Barbadians were irresponsible in their treatment towards gullies, in terms of illegal dumping and improper garbage disposal.

Thompson revealed that within the past three years Government has conducted a study on gullies and the problems and, with its completion, there is a management plan to cover the next five years.

The convention's mission is the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local, regional and national actions and international co-operation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world. (KB)