Tag: biodiversity

The Birds of Puerto Bueno, Jamaica: Including the First Bird to be Protected by Law

November 24, 2020

As part of my “Listen to the Scientists” campaign (bowing deeply to Wendy Lee), I would like to tell you a little bit about the birds that call Puerto Bueno Mountain (and the area, also called Dry Harbour Mountains) home. It is also the home of a myriad insects, plants and trees, many of which … More The Birds of Puerto Bueno, Jamaica: Including the First Bird to be Protected by Law

Protect Puerto Bueno Mountain Jamaica from Quarrying and Big Development: An Online Petition

November 15, 2020

As concerns rise over the proposed limestone quarrying in Puerto Bueno Mountain (which now, it transpires, will also involve a commercial development and “eco-tourism”?) here is a petition on change.org opposing the ministerial decision to approve a permit. Prime Minister Andrew Holness signed off on this, and stoutly defended his decision in a speech in … More Protect Puerto Bueno Mountain Jamaica from Quarrying and Big Development: An Online Petition

Puerto Bueno Mountain: “This Decision Cannot Be Allowed To Stand,” Says JET

November 9, 2020

I wrote about this yesterday – please take a look for a bit more detail. Meanwhile, Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) has just posted the following press release: “This Decision Cannot Be Allowed to Stand,” Says JET The Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) is disturbed by the decision of the Hon. Minister without Portfolio Leslie Campbell to … More Puerto Bueno Mountain: “This Decision Cannot Be Allowed To Stand,” Says JET

Puerto Bueno Mountain Under Threat: What Happened and Why?

November 9, 2020

“In keeping with my recent advocacy on national and international platforms, I wish to focus on the fact that our natural heritage, including our biodiversity and ecosystems, are an important part of our material heritage. We readily understand the value of our natural heritage when we are complimented on the beauty of our island, our … More Puerto Bueno Mountain Under Threat: What Happened and Why?

Just a Quick Bird Note: Saturday, October 17 is a Special Birding Day

October 15, 2020

Birders the world over are always happy to have an excuse, an impetus, an encouragement to dash out there and start looking for birds (and counting them). Bird lists are wonderful. And for Caribbean bird sleuths, whether amateurs, professionals or just interested, there is eBird Caribbean, a site where you can contribute to the knowledge … More Just a Quick Bird Note: Saturday, October 17 is a Special Birding Day

Revitalizing the Caribbean Tourism Sector: The IDB’s Innovation Challenge

July 14, 2020

Our tourism sector has not yet emerged from the doldrums. In Jamaica, while battling COVID-19 with what appear to be depleting resources, we “opened up” to tourism on June 15. Now, close to one month later, we seem to be just feeling our way. Nevertheless, our ever-upbeat Minister of Tourism Ed Bartlett told us a few … More Revitalizing the Caribbean Tourism Sector: The IDB’s Innovation Challenge

Jamaican Conservationist Honored as Biodiversity ‘Hotspot Hero’ by Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund

May 23, 2020

What better news on International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22) than this wonderful award for Ingrid Parchment, Executive Director of the Clarendon-based Caribbean Coastal Area Management Foundation (C-CAM), in the Portland Bight Protected Area. If you scroll back through my blog, you will see several articles about the work of C-CAM and the amazingly beautiful and … More Jamaican Conservationist Honored as Biodiversity ‘Hotspot Hero’ by Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund

Saint Lucia’s Heritage, Biodiversity and Beach Access at Risk

March 22, 2020

This blog has been rather preoccupied with COVID-19, and I am sure there will be more news to come. Nevertheless, much is happening (or has been happening) before, during (and hopefully after) the virus, so I am trying to catch up a little. I recently received this press release from the Saint Lucia National Trust. … More Saint Lucia’s Heritage, Biodiversity and Beach Access at Risk

The Natural History Museum’s Earth Day Arts Competition for Children and Youth: Deadline March 9!

February 24, 2020

The Natural History Museum of Jamaica (NHMJ), a division of the Institute of Jamaica, is inviting entries for its 2020 Earth Day Competition, which has the theme: Countdown to 2030: Vision of a Healthy Environment.  As Earth Day reaches its milestone 50th anniversary in April 2020, nature and the environment are facing incredible and unprecedented challenges … More The Natural History Museum’s Earth Day Arts Competition for Children and Youth: Deadline March 9!

On World Wetlands Day, Let’s Give Our Wetlands More Love

February 3, 2020

Today (February 2) is World Wetlands Day. For Jamaica (and everywhere) this should be an important date on the calendar. It marks the signing of the Convention on Wetlands in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. The “official” celebration will be at the Mason River Protected Area in northern Clarendon on Friday, February 7. It is the … More On World Wetlands Day, Let’s Give Our Wetlands More Love