By Clive Petrovic

Concern for the environment is not unique to the BVI. As human populations continue to grow worldwide, stresses on plant and animal communities mount. Communities everywhere are beginning to take action to conserve dwindling natural resources. The combination of over-fishing, pollution and expanding human settlements create problems here as well as in most other places. However, such issues are of particular importance here because space is limited and visitors expect to find a pristine environment.

The primary responsibility to care for the environment rests with the Conservation and Fisheries Department. This governmental agency falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry for Natural Resources and Labour. The C&FD must oversee all environmental matters in the BVI, including terrestrial issues, the entire coastline and an extensive Territorial sea. Managing the fisheries and marine resources presents a particularly important logistical challenge. Conflicts occasionally develop between the needs of commercial fishermen and boaters, all of who must share the same space. The needs must be carefully balanced to foster the continued growth of tourism without compromising the traditional ways of life. In addition, the economic development of recent years has stressed the coastal habitats. All this, and more, must be resolved by the C&FD. In this effort, public education is the most important tool at their disposal. Posters, signs and brochures are widely distributed in the islands and designed to inform the public about environmental concerns. Programs for school children and teachers help get the environmental message across. The Department also works with other branches of government to promote proper legislation and fair enforcement of laws and regulations. Success in all areas is essential to balance all the needs and conserve nature for the future growth of the BVI.

The National Parks Trust is also very involved in environmental matters. The duties of the Trust are wide ranging and include preserving natural habitats and environmental education. As a statutory body, the Trust works closely with governmental agencies, particularly the Conservation & Fisheries Department. The Trust is responsible for the management of protected areas, both on land and in the sea. Parks are located throughout the islands and encompass all habitats from coastal mangroves to the highest elevation forests on Tortola and Virgin Gorda.

The national park at the RMS Rhone protects a unique underwater site of historical and cultural significance and extensive surrounding coral reefs. While most land parks are in natural areas, the J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens and the Queen Elizabeth Park are man-made. The Botanic Gardens, located in Road Town, contain numerous species of plants indigenous to the BVI, as well as exotics from around the world. It's a wonderful place to take a stroll and relax in the shade of a flowering tree.

The Trust is also involved in restoring natural habitats. This can be seen in many places along the coast of Tortola where mangrove replanting is underway. Clusters of PVC pipes are placed in areas near existing mangroves or where they are likely to grow. The pipes protect the seedlings until they are established and able to withstand the impacts of the sea. The Trust is also working on the flamingo re-introduction project on Anegada. The initial flock of about 20 birds has grown to nearly 100 in the span of a decade. Helping to restore the endangered Anegada Rock Iguana is another project spearheaded by the Trust.

Currently, the Trust is engaged in a Darwin Initiative project examining the biodiversity of Anegada. The project focuses on floral diversity and distribution, birds and sea turtles. Such projects gather information necessary to help the Trust meet its obligations in environmental stewardship.

Environmental education is a primary mission of the Trust. Public education through posters, brochures, booklets and a variety of printed and visual materials help promote the environmental message.

Several NGOs, schools and private individuals also promote caring for nature. The messages of all are similar and overlap considerably. Most of what they have to say is common sense and information we have heard before. However, it bears repeating and keeping fresh in our minds. We all must play a role on conserving natures little secrets. Here are a few common sense things you can do to help protect the environment.

• Put trash in its place. Dispose of your refuse in approved containers and locations.
• Leave nature where you find it. Take only pictures, leave only footprints.
• Don't buy souvenirs made from endangered species, especially sea turtles. It hurts the environment and could get you in trouble with the authorities here and at home.
• Conserve energy and water. We all know what that means.
• When swimming and snorkelling, remember do NOT touch or stand on the corals. They look strong but are really delicate and fragile. Careless damage could take many years to recover.
• Be especially careful when boating. Don't drive onto a coral reef and be careful where you drop the anchor. Drop it in sand not in the rocks (coral).
• Don't feed wild animals. Remember, they don't shop in your grocery store.
• Have fun, treasure your memories and help us ensure the same experience for future visitors.

Mooring Buoys
Boats are required to use National Parks Trust mooring buoys at designated reef areas and must purchase a Marine Conservation Permit for their use. The program was initiated in 1991 and since then there have been hundreds of buoys put into place.

Boaters should note the color-coded system for use:
   Yellow - commercial dive boats
   White - boat with divers
   Orange - snorkel and day use
   Blue - dinghy docks

Private buoys on a fee per night basis are provided by Moor Seacure Ltd. at locations throughout the B.V.I. Call the National Parks Trust at 494-3904 or visit: www.bvinationalparkstrust.org

Explore the BVI - find out about sightseeing and the pristine beaches of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke and the smaller islands of the BVI.

Learn more about the underwater sights there are to see in Activities.