opinion

The Caribbean's bio-beauty
by Clarence E. Pilgrim

With 2008 coming to an end, the New Year will be the opportunity for a new beginning and a re-assessment of present goals and values.

The length and quality of one's lifespan, no matter how we try to manage it, often times seems to depend on factors beyond our control. To the cynical, it appears that our fate is hinged on the roll of intangible dice that are full of assorted trials and tribulations. However, others believe that nature has a way of restoring the natural balance of things in its own time.

It would clearly be an advantage if we could live as long as Mrs. Edna Parker, an American woman who was recognized as the world's oldest person. She passed away recently at the very ripe old age of 115. Imagine the things that could be accomplished within that span.

I am sure that many would support my view that every life is precious, and brings with it the responsibility to develop a purpose, direction and values.

The natural resources of this Earth have a lifespan which is finite and will come to an end, sooner rather than later if we cannot take the steps to manage them with a generous amount of wisdom. An end to our resources means an end to life as we know it.

When the space shuttle Endeavor recently returned to Earth (from the International Space Station) on its fourth and final orbiter mission of 2008, the breathtakingly wonderful view from space of our planet was among the blessings that gives the impression of a "picture perfect" world. However, the pains of the global financial system breakdown are all a part of the too numerous modern-day plagues, which have placed our global village in crisis. Some events occur with advance warnings, while others happen in the heartbeat of a moment.

Endeavor is an excellent symbol of one of our advancements made in science. We can use the technology of the shuttle missions to objectively view from space the changes which our planet's ecosystems are going through.

There is clear evidence of climate change and the need to protect our natural environment and biodiversity.

We must not ignore the warning signs that have been ably presented in many scientific findings and by obvious visual changes to our natural surroundings.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM), as it emerges more and more as a unified entity, must play its part in the global village by developing a clearly defined environmentally cautious direction for the region in 2009.

This must be under the umbrella of the need to conserve what we have, a

an active discourse and awareness about the way toward a framework for action and implementation.

As part of CARICOM's protection of its biodiversity, there should be a move to create a protected natural flyway for an identified assortment of birds, within the context of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals.

A plan of action for 2009, to be carried out through the responsible CARICOM and national agencies, should include the following consideration to conserve the most outstanding places within the basin. They are:

• Specific rainforests within the region

• Rare endemic plants and animals

• River systems

• The most diverse coral reefs

• Focal areas for possible geothermal energy sites

• The most outstanding botanical gardens

• Natural mineral springs

• Natural beaches

• Natural grasslands

With this focus, the Caribbean region will be able to play its part to defend the remaining natural environment by stopping the man-made encroachment which industrialized and mechanized progress has sought advance.

To achieve this goal we must keep in mind our overall objective which is to protect, maintain and where possible enhance the Caribbean's bio-beauty for all to behold and enjoy.

Clarence E. Pilgrim is an educator and senior civil servant in Antigua & Barbuda