On 22 May, the International Day for Biological Diversity will be celebrated across the globe!
The theme for Biodiversity Day 2022 is “building a shared future for all life.” In Grenada, St Patrick’s Environmental and Community Tourism Organisation (SPECTO) has been on the frontlines of the protection and conservation of species, such as the endangered leatherback turtle, and the development of livelihoods for a sustainable environment. SPECTO’s conservation efforts continue to foster a “shared future” by creating livelihoods/jobs for the underemployed and unemployed young adults in the community. In addition, the organisation helps to ensure the continuation of leatherbacks as a marine species through the Government of Grenada Protection of endangered species programme. These turtles form an important part of the ocean biosphere. Keeping the ecosystem in balance improves the lives of all human beings which allows us to thrive and exist in harmony with Mother Earth.
Grenada is endowed with beautiful landscapes and wonderful biological diversity. Grenada’s 121 km coastline is made up of diverse marine and coastal ecosystems, including mangrove swamps, coral reefs, seagrass beds, beaches, lagoons, dry woodlands and cactus shrub.1 These habitats are home to a great number of biological species. Climate change and overexploitation of resources are undoubtedly causing damage to Grenada’s ecosystem. Major actions being taken to protect ecosystems in the country include OECS Protected Areas and Associated Livelihoods (OPAAL), Grenada’s Sustainable Land Management Project, and the Integrating Watershed and Coastal Areas Management IWCAM Project.1
In celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity, SPECTO invites you to join our Leatherback Turtle Tours in the month of May (in the middle of nesting season). Book your tour by calling 1 473 405 8395. Proceeds go towards creating livelihoods – wages for tour guides and environmental wardens; education and awareness-building programmes, including community panel discussions focusing on issues like St Patrick’s biological biodiversity, climate change, leatherback turtle conservation, the International Importance of Levera as a Ramsar Site, and the creation of billboards and anti-litter signage.
SPECTO encourages all Grenadians to play their role in safeguarding Grenada’s wealth of biological biodiversity and ecosystems. Let us ensure that we continue to maintain its integrity, that our actions and activities are geared at protecting and positively impacting what we have inherited and in order to ensure a future for humanity
Happy International Day of Biological Diversity!!!! Building a shared future for all!!!!
SPECTO
Reference
- Convention on Biological Diversity. (n.d.). Grenada – Biodiversity Facts: Status and trends of biodiversity, including benefits from biodiversity and ecosystem services. Retrieved May 11, 2022, from https://www.cbd.int/countries/profile/?country=gd
