fp Turks and Caicos

The Turks and Caicos Islands National Trust has extended the deadline to enter its photo, film and poster competition for images that reflect the country’s biodiversity or cultural heritage.

Tiles markers on the snorkel trail around the popular Bight Reef (White House Reef) in front of Coral Gardens have been successfully restored, thanks to volunteers and the Turks and Caicos Reef Fund.

It is a widely known fact that globally, coral reefs are facing many negative impacts that not only affect the ecological balance of these delicate ecosystems, but also the livelihood of those who depend on it for food and income.

Restoration of snorkel trail markers around the popular near shore reef at Coral Gardens is set for Dec. 18, and the Turks and Caicos Reef Fund is looking for volunteers.

Cultural Director David Bowen and South Caicos School for Field Studies Center Director Dr. Heidi Hertler have joined the board of advisors of the Turks and Caicos Reef Fund.

The Department of Environment and Coastal Resources has procured two Weatherhawk automatic weather stations that have been installed on Providenciales and Grand Turk.

The Turks and Caicos Islands’ location at the end of the Bahamas Archipelago and close to the Greater Antilles makes the islands popular wintering grounds and travel stopovers for birds that migrate seasonally between temperate regions of North America, and the American Tropics.

Students and volunteers recently joined the Department of Environment and Coast Resources and the Society for Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds in observing International Migratory Bird Day.

“Asked if his government felt the need for any measure of restraint upon development, [Chief Minister] Mr. Saunders replied, “We can’t allow it to get out of hand — to develop to a point where serious social problems will be created. Provo has only a small indigenous population, therefore it would not be in our best interests to have development accelerate to a pace where the local people are benefitting less than those coming in.”
--Turks and Caicos Current Magazine November/December 1981