Google is virtually a living, breathing creature that is ever-developing – becoming more and more intelligent every day. What other explanation can there possibly be for the a United Nations Environment Programme report just now delivered to us by a Google Alert some seven months after we sent out the initial search for “Barbados + Environment”?
Maybe this is old news to some, but it is new to me seeing as how I was just a puppy in 1981…
Graeme Hall Park Mentioned In 1981 Barbados Government Plan
Excerpt From a 1996 United Nations – Caribbean Environment Programme Report on Barbados…
CEP Technical Report No. 36 1996: Status of Protected Area Systems in the Wider Caribbean Region
Policy and Legislation
In the National Development Plan 1983, the Physical Development Plan 1983, amended 1986, and the Barbados report to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED 1992), the government has articulated a commitment to environmental conservation, including plans for a system of parks and protected areas throughout the island incorporating both terrestrial and marine systems (St. Hill, pers. comm., 1992).
In 1981, the government stated in its policy that a new park would be created at Graeme Hall Swamp, an important bird habitat. However, the project has been delayed on economic grounds (UNEP/IUCN 1988, Wilson 1984). Scott and Carbonell (1986) note that this is the only wetland of its type in Barbados, and as a relatively unspoiled wetland ecosystem in a heavily populated island the swamp has great potential for educational purposes. The swamp also contains the only mangrove stand on Barbados.
The Marine Areas (Preservation and Enhancement) Act of 1 March 1976 provides for the preservation and protection of coastal and marine areas, while permitting recreational and scientific activities. There is also a Wild Birds’ Protection Act, 1907 which was revised in 1979.
Two pieces of legislation establishing Barbados Marine Reserve were gazetted on 16 February 1981. The Designation of Restricted Areas Order, 1981 established the boundaries of the underwater park, while the Marine Areas (Preservation and Enhancement) (Barbados Marine Reserve) Regulation, 1981 created four zones within the park (scientific zone, two water sports zones and a recreational zone). A second site, Harrison’s Cave, is also protected by legislation (St. Hill, pers. comm., 1992).
Story Links
CEP Technical Report No. 36 1996: Status of Protected Area Systems in the Wider Caribbean Region
United Nations Environment Programme website link here
UNEP – Caribbean Environment Programme website link here
Graeme Hall National Park website link here