2023-10-13 20:52:00
The incredible ecological recovery of a small Caribbean island, which went from being a desolate rock to a green wildlife refuge in just a few years, is an example for environmentalists around the world. The tenacious inhabitants of Old and bearded who led the metamorphosis of the little-known island of Redonda, the third in the country, celebrate another impressive feat.
The territory less than a kilometer long It was officially designated as a protected area by the Government of the countryensuring that its status as a nesting ground for migratory birds and home to species found nowhere else on Earth is preserved for posterity.
The Ecosystem Reserve round, which also encompasses surrounding seagrass meadows and a coral reef, spans a colossal 30,000 hectares. Its large size means that the country has already met its global goal “30×30″ to protect 30% of the planet by 2030.
Nowadays, Redonda is full of biodiversityincluding dozens of threatened species, colonies of globally important seabirds and endemic lizards.
Native reptiles have once again repopulated the Caribbean islandCOURTESY EDWARD MARSHALL, FFI
But, Redonda wasn’t always like this. Invasive black rats that preyed on reptiles and ate bird eggs, along with goats introduced by the first settlers devastated its vegetation and left the island with the appearance of an arid lunar landscape.
An ambitious project launched in 2016 to relocate goats and eradicate rats saw vegetation return, bringing with it an exponential increase in native species. The work was led by local NGO, Environmental Awareness Group (EAG), in cooperation with government and foreign partners, including Fauna and Flora International (FFI).
The executive director of the EAG, Arica Hill, defined the new status of the zone as a “great victory for the inhabitants of Antigua and Barbuda.”
“This is the largest marine protected area in the Eastern Caribbean and shows the incredible work that conservationists and environmentalists can do,” he told the BBC. “What is even more significant is that the government has also trusted us to manage it legally”he added.
Numerous species of birds that had almost disappeared from the Caribbean island have returnedCOURTESY EDWARD MARSHALL, FFI
The group is already conducting feasibility studies in hopes of reintroducing species found in Redonda many years ago, such as the burrowing owl, a small sand-colored bird that nests underground.
The EAG also is establishing a strong governance system to ensure the island remains free of invasive species. That includes surveillance cameras to spot wandering rats and monitor local fishing activities, which must meet strict guidelines.
FFI’s Jenny Daltry said Caribbean islands face the highest extinction rates in modern history, meaning restoration and protection of areas like Redonda is “critical”.
The fight against rats and the transfer of livestock such as goats has allowed species native to Redonda to multiply COURTESY EDWARD MARSHALL, FFI
Since the recovery work began, 15 species of land birds returned to the islandwhile the number of endemic lizards such as the critically endangered Redonda land dragon soared.
The local residents who came to call Redonda “the rock” are now its most vehement guardians, said EAG’s Shanna Challenger.
Until just a few years ago, Redonda Island looked like a lunar landscape, with almost no life or vegetationCOURTESY EDWARD MARSHALL, FFI
“Our little sister island, which many people never see, has been able to invoke such national pride,” he declared smiling. “For me, as an Antiguan and Barbudan, this work has been monumental. We are now forever in the history of Redonda; “I am very proud to have been instrumental in this and I cannot wait to see how Redonda will move forward,” she noted.
For small developing islands that are at risk from climate change, Redonda’s success represents a rare bright spark amid a glut of gloomy environmental headlines.
In just a few years the small island has taken a 180 degree turn and today it is green and fertileCOURTESY EDWARD MARSHALL, FFI
“Reaching our ’30×30′ goal tells the rest of the world that this is possible. Although we do not generate the most emissions, we are among the most affected and remain the ones who met our goals ahead of time,” Challenger continued.
“We are putting our money where our mouth is. I hope this is an inspiration to other countries: if little Antigua and Barbuda can do it, others can too,” she added.
Seabirds have returned to the small Caribbean island of RedondaCOURTESY MIKE APPLETON, REWILD
For reserve coordinator Johnella Bradshaw, the achievements are even more personal. “When she was a child and in school, a career in the environmental field was unheard of. The emphasis was on being a doctor, dentist or lawyer,” she said.
“When you think about conservation, you think about things that happen in America or Europe, not on a small island in the Caribbean. Now that we are at the forefront of international conservation, we can change that narrative and show younger generations that people like me can do this,” she noted. Bradshaw is eager to demonstrate that protected status will not only exist “on paper,” but “in reality as well.””.
The surroundings of the small Caribbean island have also been declared a protected area, in order to preserve its natural wealthOLIVIER RAYNAUD
Like his compatriots, he is acutely aware of the unprecedented weather conditions facing the country. Six years ago, Barbuda was devastated by Hurricane Irma and warming seas continue to pose an existential threat to islands across the region.
“You hear about climate change, rising temperatures and stronger storms, but we are already feeling it. This summer has been horrible, it has been very hot,” she added. “But, if we all do our part, together we can make a difference”, he concluded.
*Por Gemma Handy
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