Previously arid, island is an example of environmental recovery – 10/28/2023 – Environment

The incredible environmental recovery of a tiny Caribbean island that, in just a few years, went from being an isolated rock to becoming a green paradise for wildlife, has caught the attention of environmentalists around the world.

The perseverance of the residents of Antigua and Barbuda was responsible for the metamorphosis of the little-known Redonda island, the third largest in the country. Now, they celebrate another important achievement.

At 1.6 km long, Redonda was officially declared a protection area by the country’s government. The designation grants the site official status as an essential breeding point for migratory birds.

Home to species found nowhere else on the planet, the island will now be preserved indefinitely.

The Redonda Ecosystem Reserve also encompasses the region’s marine vegetation and a coral reef. In total, it covers an area of ​​30 thousand hectares.

Its immense size means that the country has already done its part to achieve the “30×30” goal, a global movement that aims for 30% of the planet to be areas of environmental preservation by 2030.

Redonda is currently seeing a surge in biodiversity. The island is home to dozens of threatened species, colonies of globally important seabirds and endemic lizards.

But it was not always so.

In the past, invasive black rats attacked reptiles and fed on birds’ eggs. Goats brought to the island by former colonizers devastated Redonda’s vegetation, leaving the island with an inhospitable appearance, which looked more like the surface of the Moon.

In 2016, an ambitious project was launched that removed the goats and eradicated the rodents. As a result, vegetation cover returned to the island and, with it, the number of native species increased exponentially.

This work was coordinated by local NGO Environmental Awareness Group (EAG), in cooperation with the government of Antigua and Barbuda and international partners such as Fauna and Flora International (FFI).

EAG Executive Director Arica Hill describes the new protected status as an “immense victory for Antiguans.”

“It’s the largest marine protected area in the eastern Caribbean,” she said, “which demonstrates the brilliant work that conservationists and environmentalists can do right at home.”

“It is even more significant that the government has also entrusted us with its legal administration,” Hill continues.

The group is conducting feasibility studies, hoping to reintroduce species that were found in Redonda many years ago, such as the burrowing owl, a small brown bird that nests underground.

EAG is also developing a control system to ensure the island remains free of invasive species. This system includes surveillance cameras and monitoring of local fishing activities, which must comply with strict standards.

FFI’s Jenny Daltry says Caribbean islands face the highest extinction rates in modern history. This means that the restoration and protection of areas like Redonda is “fundamental.”

Since work began, 15 species of land birds have returned to the island. And the number of endemic lizards has soared – like the so-called endangered Redonda dragon.

In the past, residents had nicknamed Redonda “the rock”. Now, they are its staunchest guardians, according to Shanna Challenger, from EAG.

“The island managed to awaken national pride,” she says, smiling.

“For me, as an Antiguan, this work is monumental. We are forever inscribed in the history of Redonda”, explains Challenger. “I’m very proud to have been a part of this process and I can’t wait to see what Redonda’s legacy will be going forward.”

For the small developing islands on the front lines of climate change, Redonda’s success represents a rare bright spark amid the barrage of grim environmental headlines.

“Reaching our ’30×30′ goal shows the rest of the world that this is possible,” continues Challenger. “Even though we are not responsible for the majority of emissions, we are among the most harmed and yet we are the first to reach our goal.”

“Instead of talking, we are acting. I hope it serves as an inspiration to other countries. If little Antigua and Barbuda can do it, so can you.”

For reserve coordinator Johnella Bradshaw, this is an even more personal achievement.

“When I grew up and studied at school and college, there was no talk of pursuing a career in the environmental field,” she says. “The important thing was to be a doctor, dentist or lawyer.”

“When you think about conservation, you think about what happens in the US or Europe, not on a small island in the Caribbean,” Bradshaw continues.

“Now, we are on the front lines of international conservation. We can change that narrative and show younger generations that people like me can make this change.”

Bradshaw is eager to prove that protected status doesn’t just exist “on paper” but “also in reality.”

Like his compatriots, Bradshaw is no stranger to the unprecedented weather conditions facing the country.

Six years ago, Barbuda was devastated by Hurricane Irma. And warming oceans continue to pose an existential threat to islands across the region.

“You hear about climate change, rising temperatures and stronger storms, but we are feeling it all,” she continues. “This summer was terrible, very hot.”

“But if we all do our part, together we can make a difference.”

This text was originally published here.