| Counting on the environment — it’s everyone’s business |
 |
 |
 |
| Written by Douglas Fenimore/National Trust | |||
| Friday, 02 March 2012 10:43 | |||
 Over the next several weeks, the National Trust will publish a series of articles providing insight into its ongoing efforts, commitment to protecting TCI heritage and several exciting new developments that the Trust will undertake. The Turks and Caicos Islands truly are beautiful by nature. From quaint seaside settlements of North and Middle Caicos, centuries old towns of the salt islands to Providenciales, its multi-million-dollar strand along Grace Bay, each island presents a unique experience. As a country, the TCI is rich in natural resources, but not necessarily the riches that generally come to mind where commodities are traded for quick, consistent gain. Our riches surround us in clean turquoise seas, soft sandy beaches, expansive natural areas and pristine wetlands. With well over 40 islands and cays, there still are places in the TCI where no hand has touched or foot has tread. Although development in the TCI has rapidly increased over the years, in reality the surface has just been scratched. New hotels, condominiums, homes and villas will be built over time, and the balance between progress and nature will undoubtedly be tested. Recently, the National Trust has submitted proposal for consideration to designate the TCI as a World Heritage Site, which will include the cays and Salt Islands of Grand Turk, Salt Cay and South Caicos. The proposed World Heritage Site will bring together pristine marine, terrestrial environments and diverse animal species, including marine mammals, corals, fishes, reptiles and birds, while preserving the unique elements of a centuries old industry, way of life. Along with the Ramsar site for wetlands of international importance on North, Middle and East Caicos and a robust national park system, the National Trust and its strategic partners seek to thread the TCI’S natural places into a tapestry and protect an ecosystem that is rich in diversity of natural, historical and cultural importance. Understanding and preserving the natural, historical and cultural environment of the TCI is paramount to protecting the country’s lifeblood, tourism. As with most countries in the region, tourism is the primary factor in providing stability, good jobs and government revenue. Realizing that individual actions, both positive and negative, will directly impact the long-term sustainability of our natural resources, the country’s issues becomes everyone’s business. The National Trust was established to serve all of the of the TCI. Locals, residents and visitors alike are encouraged to participate in the numerous programmes and initiatives undertaken by the trust by visiting www.tcinationaltrust.org or calling 649-941-5710. Together, we can help to protect and preserve our natural resources, for the enjoyment of all, for future generations. Photo: Reddish egret/(Kathleen Wood)
|
|||
| Last Updated on Friday, 02 March 2012 10:50 |
Related Articles
Latest Local News
|
Tourist Board expands adding two new staff members The Turks and Caicos Tourist Board announced this week it welcomed two new staff members to further More... |
|
Cruise terminal to open April 8 Beginning Monday, April 8, thousands of cruise ship passengers will again begin to enjoy the More... |
|
2013 TCI Elecrotal List Available TCI 2013 Electors’ Register is Ready! Supervisor of Elections Mr. Dudley Lewis has announced More... |
|
Misick Declared By-Election Winner Supervisor of Elections Dudley Lewis has advised that the Progressive National Party's (PNP) Amanda More... |
|
New Board leads TCHTA On Wednesday, March 13, Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) bid farewell to its More... |
TCI Protected Areas Series
The fp is publishing a series of articles on the Turks and Caicos Islands Protected Area System to increase public awareness and respect for the beauty and value of this "beautiful by nature" country.
The authors, marine ecologist Marsha Pardee and terrestrial ecologist Kathleen Wood, are long-time TCI residents and respected scientists in their fields.
Below are links to their articles, plus related news articles, documents and laws.
- 29/7/10: Chalk Sound National Park: Beauty and ecology
- 22/7/10: Protected Areas designations and differences
- 15/7/10: Long-term prosperity vs. short-term gain
- 8/7/10: Protected Areas save environment, generate revenue
- 5/8/10: Frenchman’s Creek: Prime real estate of TCI wetlands
Related news articles
- 1/7/10: Expert report warned about encroachment on protected areas
- 8/7/10: More than 250 lots carved in Provo parks
Links to environmental documents and laws