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Most of us believe we need a National Conservation Law but if you read our Editorial today it points out that the most urgent need is for the Cayman Islands National Trust to receive funds. Laws, even when passed, can be changed but land bought by the Trust protects it from the mighty bulldozer. (See also Joan Wilson’s poem “The Mighty Bulldozer”.)

“From the Mastic Trail to the Botanic Park, important natural sites are under threat from potential development surrounding them and the only sure way to secure these and the future of other sites is to buy the land so that it cannot fall into the hands of developers” an article on CNS says.

It does make sound sense and it would nullify the hesitation on the part of our MLA’s to pass a National Conservation Law.

In September 2010 the National Conservation Law was slated for review but developers and real estate professionals have managed to successfully stall it.

The Cayman Islands is party to the Rio Convention on Biological Diversity (1992), the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol (2007) and the Ramsar Convention on the Conservation of Wetlands (1975), but if there is no National Conservation Law, there is no mechanism for it to actually take part in. But it does look good on paper that we are actually doing something, even if it is actually nothing.

There are absolutely no laws in the Cayman Islands for environmental issues to be taken into consideration when it comes down to planning.

Our great environmentalist, Michael Ryan, who has always had the heart of the Cayman Islands and its people foremost in his mind actually went on record and said, this extra layer of bureaucracy will just add more pressure to a beleaguered economy and will empty rather than fill government coffers. He is extremely disappointed by the proposed National Conservation Law.

And he gave us this insight into his wisdom and his feelings for our environment.

“The law does not accomplish its intended goal, i.e. to protect and preserve the environment; instead it produces more departments, more complexity, more costs and more of a burden on government before any development can move forward,” he said.

Ahh, he mentioned the word “development”. However, as the environment diminishes so will our visitors. And visitors provide money into our coffers – lots of money – and they return again and again.

The Editorial mentioned the ghost orchid, the parrot and stingrays but it is much worse than that. Nearly 50% of our local plants are on the endangered International ‘red’ list and I am almost forgetting the bats, the lizards, and many marine creatures, too.

In December, 2010 the National Trust said this:

A National Conservation Law would protect our critical environmental sites.

The National Trust was established with the mission “To Preserve Natural Environments and Places of Historic Significance for Present and Future Generations of the Cayman Islands.” The lack of comprehensive legislation which would provide the government with the means to effectively conserve and manage the natural environment and resources of the Cayman Islands is of such great importance to our membership and to the future wellbeing of our country that the Trust now feels it necessary to make a public statement.

There has been coverage in the media recently regarding the Malportas Pond* in North Side and the Government’s decision not to pursue establishing a buffer around the Crown-owned pond in order to protect it from the inevitable impacts of encroaching development. The Malportas Pond discussion is just the latest example of the country’s urgent need for a National Conservation Law.

Other sites are also in danger: the Saltwater Pond and Parrot Reserve in Cayman Brac; the Mastic Reserve, Salinas Reserve, and Ironwood Forest in Grand Cayman; the Booby Pond and Blossom Village in Little Cayman; even the newly created Blue Iguana Reserve in Colliers. All because we as a nation lack a proper conservation framework.

Looking ahead we also have a new hospital project being developed in the Eastern Districts, which may provide great benefits to our nation. But how will the 500 acres required for this venture be developed? What safeguards are there that the land will not simply be stripped of its vegetation and become urban sprawl?

Do you remember what Cayman used to look like, with the Creator’s glory reflected ev’rywhere? Do you want your children and grandchildren to live in the same dear verdant Islands?

In barely 40 years, our beloved Cayman Islands have seen unprecedented development. This economic expansion has allowed us to prosper to the point where we claim to have the highest standard of living in the Western Hemisphere. However, this growth, if left to continue unfettered, will lead to disastrous environmental consequences.

The Trust has heard many serious concerns from Cayman’s citizens, both for and against a National Conservation Law. However, those who are against can usually be persuaded to change their mind, once their concerns are addressed. In an effort to reach a wider audience we have chosen to answer these concerns via this advertisement.

Q: Why do we need a National Conservation Law (NCL)?
A: Cayman’s natural environment is not sufficiently protected by current laws. Wildlife, wetlands, marine and terrestrial areas are all under threat because development has been allowed to happen without forethought and concern for the environment. Under a recent IUCN Red List Assessment 46% of Cayman’s native plants are ranked as threatened with local extinction but there is no legislation which offers them any protection – not even our National Tree or National Flower is protected. In addition, many of Cayman’s unique animals such as our snakes, bats, lizards, crabs etc. have no legal protection. Beyond local concerns, the Cayman Islands have an obligation under existing international treaties and conventions to ensure that conservation is an integral part of government, commercial, and individual activities.

Q: Why is conservation important?
A: We all remember fondly “the way Cayman used to be” and we still have three wonderful islands. But if we continue with uncontrolled development, the destruction of our natural areas, and the loss of our wildlife, we will find ourselves truly lamenting the loss of a very special country.

Q: Who will be held responsible for the destruction of our natural landscape?
A: We will! Future generations of Caymanians will revile our memory if we don’t act now to protect the beauty that surrounds us. But, more importantly our leaders will be held responsible. Unfortunately, our political leaders (no matter their party affiliation) do not have the desire to stand up and proclaim what we all know to be true: our Islands must be protected! They take the easy way out every time, and we as citizens and lovers of Cayman need to hold them accountable.

Q: Isn’t it too late to save Cayman’s wildlife and environment?
A: No, it is not. While there has been large-scale development and destruction of Cayman’s natural landscape, there is still much we can do to protect and preserve what is left. When the National Trust began the Blue Iguana Recovery Program, under the leadership of Fred Burton, many said it was too late to save that enigmatic creature. Yet now there are close to 300 free roaming Blue Iguanas on Grand Cayman, and the Program is acclaimed worldwide as a success. But the Blue Iguana Recovery Program, and all conservation efforts, require hard work and dedication from the entire Cayman community. Corporations, individuals, churches, service clubs, community groups, and the Government, all need to work together to ensure a future for Cayman that is as green and abundant as our past.

Q: What can I do to help?
A: Let your voice be heard! . Let our elected leaders, and your fellow citizens, know how you feel. Write letters to the Editor, post blogs, e-mail/text your friends. Organize a Facebook campaign.
• Volunteer! Whether with the National Trust or some other organization with the same aims, help is always needed. Call us. We’ll find something for you to do.
• Educate Yourself! Be aware and knowledgeable about the issues.

*Malportas Pond – In May 2010 the Cayman Islands Government said it is no longer seeking a buffer zone to protect Malportas Pond in North Side. As a result, local developers can now build up to the banks of the water. Government was no longer seeking to acquire the buffer and that any applications that had been refused in the pond area in the past may now receive “a willing ear” from planning.

This decision has threatened a host of local wildlife including the vulnerable West Indian Whistling Ducks.

Environmental protection is fine but in times of economic hardship it will forever sit on the back burner. No one turns the picture over and looks behind it. Most certainly our MLA’s don’t.