The business of Conservation

Ever wonder why so many young eco/environmental-warriors, scientist, or as you, or others may consider them, “environmental fanatics” make it an annual celebration to share awareness messages, host environmental campaigns in recognition of what they call a critical natural resources? Take for example beach clean-ups or the recent Wetland’s Day Celebration on February 2 -which is yearly by the way.

If you have seen, heard these messages, and/or observed activities common to these messages, but not sure why it is a trend, you are not alone (the evidence of waste everywhere speaks to that), but it is time to think, stop, consider, ask questions and get onboard!

Wetlands’ management is good business sense

Mangroves and wetlands

So you have experience one message or another, but the work of ecologist, campaigners, scientist and other’s involved requires much more: When mangroves and other wetlands are depleted clean-ups do take place to enhance awareness, and address to some extent a small percentage of the problem. Some problems go beyond our control- for example toxins dumped into the sea or a channel that empties into the sea cannot be retrieved, but instead gets into our food source, and consequently are consumed by humans.

What we can address requires large sums of financial resources for natural restoration and structural engineering. When wetland’s vegetation such as mangroves are completely removed the cost to artificially engineer an area to function the way mangroves do natural is beyond exorbitant and leaves those in close proximity to the sea at risk, sadly those at the bottom of the financial ladder are the ones who suffer the most. In the Caribbean, many of our primary centres are located along the coast – imagine our daily pain.

Henceforth, these mangroves, a set of trees and shrubs that once dominated many coastal areas are among our most critically important natural assets. Their depletion is a national crisis.

Mangrove preservation is economically viable for business: mangroves forest contributes to:

Livelihoods – the occupation and source of income for fisherfolk, and others

Food – food security, health and good nutrition

Refuge for boats during storms

Beach protection – prevents erosion and natural disturbance on beaches

Flood risk – mangroves help to reduce coastal flooding

Coral reef protection – protects these marine rain forest from pollution threats

Pollution reduction – Helps to reduce some land based pollution entering the sea, e.g. solid waste

Building/infrastructural protection – mangrove trees weakens wind energy reducing its destructive

Habitat- home and nursery for many birds, crabs, fishies, and crocodiles (leave the mangroves, keep these crocs in their homes, not yours)

Get onboard for these reasons

The Caribbean are a group of islands vulnerable to tropical cyclones- hurricane force winds and heavy rains is a threat to coastal businesses

Supports these businesses and individuals
Fisherfolk, fish cleaners, boat makers, restaurant owners, hoteliers, tourism related businesses, merchandisers, sales persons, store clerks, tour guides, dive operators, many more

Maintains and protects beaches, coral reefs

Reduce disaster impacts on nearshore users

Carbon sink – absorbs CO2 and fight climate change

Maintains fish population and the habitat for other marine and terrestrial life

Protect the Blue Economy

Support your local Marine Protected Areas initiatives and wardens

Get onboard and join your local NGOs and agencies

Support research, restoration of mangroves

get in touch to learn more