TCI: World Wetlands Day 2019; Wetlands Against Climate Change

#Providenciales, February 7, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – The Turks and Caicos Islands Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) hosted a clean-up in support of World Wetlands Day 2019, on Saturday, 02 February 2019.

It marked the Islands’ support for the global event which takes place on February 2^nd and marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar.

The DECR visited a number of schools in the area to promote the importance of wetlands and the need to appreciate and conserve the Wheeland Pond Wetland in Blue Hills. Clean ups were also hosted on North Caicos, Grand Turk, Salt Cay and South Caicos, and were well supported by the respective communities.

Wetlands are often an undervalued natural resource and are important as they:

1. ensure fresh water and replenish ground water;
2. purify and filter harmful toxins;
3. are a breeding ground for many commercially important fish species;
4. provide vital habitats for migratory birds;
5. ease flooding and safeguard against drought;
6. reduce the impacts of erosion; and
7. provide sustainable livelihoods.

The DECR would like to thank the South Caicos-based School for Field Studies for the support, as well as all the volunteers that were up early on Saturday morning to ensure healthy wetlands for us and for the creatures that call them home!  We are reminded of the notable quote by J F Kennedy “One person can make a difference and everyone should try” we are grateful for the efforts made by all.

For more information to get involved in future environmental initiatives, please contact Amy Avenant (DECR Environmental Outreach Coordinator) at avenant.amy@gmail.com.

Release: TCIG