Group wants legislation to protect wetlands and swamps
The Land Conservancy Barbados (TLC) is hoping to go to Parliament with a petition for protection of the Graeme Hall National Park.
President Geoffrey Ramsey noted during the launch on Thursday at the Carib Beach Bar, Worthing, Christ Church, that TLC was a non-profit organisation established to promote and facilitate environmental awareness and conservation in Barbados.
He said since physical development was ongoing in small island developing states, the environment, in some manner, was always under threat.
“It is understood in civil society is not always able to fully address this challenge. Therefore, it is noteworthy that Robin Mahon has taken this initiative, supported by Lani Edghill], and his team to fill this niche to promote advocacy for increased holistic protection of our green spaces, and to engage meaningfully with Government through collaborative means,” Ramsey said.
The president added that the organisation would take note of sustainable development goals and stated Government policies as they related to bio-diversity, conservation, climate change and adaptation.
Some of the areas of focus include Graeme Hall, Long Pond, and Green Pond, all in Christ Church; Holetown Lagoon, St James; Hackleton’s Cliff, Joe’s River and its watershed, as well as Bathsheba stream and watershed, all in St Joseph; Turners Hall Woods, St Andrew; Jack in the Box Gully, St Thomas; and Consett Bay and watershed, in St John.
Also introduced during the launch were the names of the new board, which also include chairman and board member Professor Robin Mahon; executive director Lani Edghill; secretary Georgina Callender; treasurer Jehroum Wood; and members Sir Trevor Carmichael, Andy Armstrong, and Arabelle James-Anglies. (RA)
