We often hear about insects and other animals passing on diseases to humans, so-called zoonotic diseases, such as rabies, cholera, West Nile virus, etc…Now, for the first time, researchers are examining a disease that humans are spreading to an animal, specifically Elkhorn coral off the Florida Keys. With support from the National Science Foundation, Rollins [...]
Archive | January, 2012
Rewarding leadership for sustainable land management: the 2012 Land for Life Award
The Secretariat of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification are invited nominations for the 2012 Land for Life Award: Applications for the 2012 Land for Life Award are now open. The award will go to inspiring initiatives which secure the health and productivity of soil for the well-being of present and future generations. The [...]
Funding available for Caribbean conservation through the U.S. Wildlife Without Borders programme
Conservation-minded individuals, organisations and government institutions in the Caribbean are eligible to apply for project grants under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) ‘Wildlife Without Borders’ programmes. Through these programmes, the USFWS provides support for biodiversity conservation activities taking place outside of the United States and its territories. The relevant grant areas include the [...]
Travelmole highlights “sustainable tourism delights” in the Caribbean
As the 2012 Sustainable Tourism Awards approach (nominations close Janauary 31), TravelMole is highlighting a variety of sustainable tourism best practice cases from around the Caribbean. Here’s the list: • A fishing community [Bluefields Bay] on Jamaica’s South Coast taking action to regenerate its nearby marine environment • Developing agrotourism in the Caribbean. Key elements [...]
Video: Joint Dominican–Haitian field team produce first ever photos of a black-capped petrel (Diablotin) chick in the nest
A follow-up on Monday’s post about the newly discovered nesting site of the black-capped petrel, also known as the Diablotin bird: the field team has released photos from the nesting site, including some of the first ever video of a Diablotin fledgling. After reaching the small, rural Haitian community of Savann Zombi by vehicle, the [...]
Nevis to share geothermal expertise with Dominica
I’m always happy to share news of intra-Caribbean knowledge sharing and capacity building: the Nevis Island Administration will be drawing on their acquired expertise to advise their counterparts in Dominica on issues relating to geothermal energy development. Dominica Minister of Public Works, Energy and Ports Mr. Rayburn Blackmoore expressed gratitude to the Nevis Island Administration [...]
After being hit with heavy environmental penalties, the Caribbean’s largest oil refinery is set to shut down
The controversy-plagued HOVENSA oil refinery, located in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands is going to be shut down. Less than a year has passed since the refinery was hit with a fine of over US$5 million for air pollution infractions. It was also required to implement $700 million worth of pollution control measures and to [...]
Caribbean Development Bank granted €50 million for climate change projects
Member countries of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) will soon be able to climate change adaptation funding through a new line of credit provided by the European Investment Bank: The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is to receive a Climate Action Line of Credit equivalent to EUR50 million, or approximately USD 65.3 million, from the European [...]
How a 10 year old boy in Carriacou helped save a 1,000 lb leatherback turtle
To end the day on a positive note, a heartwarming story of turtle rescue, from Carriacou: One late morning in March 2006, the Kido Foundation team was showing a slide presentation to a classroom of children at the Harvey Vale primary school in Carriacou Island, Grenada, West Indies. The presentation was highlighting the desperate plight [...]
