Parrot Reserve expands to protect habitat
A grant from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Government funding and efforts of the Ministry and Department of Environment (DoE) and the National Trust have enabled Cayman Brac’s Parrot Reserve to expand.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act Grants Program (NMBCA) is awarded to projects with outstanding potential to support the conservation of neotropical migratory birds, through population and habitat management, legal measures, research or education.
The reserve, which previously consisted of two strips of land, now includes the central parcel, having purchased the central strip from Captain Harold Banks.
Brac Trust District Chairman Martin Keeley said, “The acquisition of the central parcel in the Parrot Reserve is part of the Brac Trust chapter’s ongoing mandate to protect the cultural and ecological heritage of our Island.”
He said the consolidation of the Parrot Reserve was critical and would help enable the Trust to maintain the integrity of the Bluff forest in this area.
“There are very few examples of contiguous dry tropical forest left in the Caribbean, and one of the best is our Bluff forest. The area is also critical as a stopover for the north-south flyways followed by more than 100 species of bird every year,” noted Mr Keeley.
“Throughout the region we are continually losing this kind of habitat with the resultant fall in populations of migrating birds, so it becomes even more crucial that we protect it.
He said that, in light of the continued development of the Bluff, it is important to protect untouched areas so that future generations understand the life their ancestors lived when they traversed and farmed the Bluff.
“It is heartening to see the Government using the Environmental Fund for its true purpose - that of acquiring critical wildlife habitat. There is a long list for more such acquisitions!” Mr Keeley added.
According to a release from the DoE, the Brac Parrot Reserve, a pristine forest and heritage nature trail located on Cayman Brac’s Bluff, is finally consolidated after ten years.
This is “wonderful news for the wild places of the Cayman Islands, and the growing numbers of people who enjoy them,” says the release.
“The Government is pleased to demonstrate its commitment to preserving the natural environment in all three Islands by partnering with local and overseas environmentalists on this worthy project”, said Minister for the Environment, the Hon Charles Clifford.
“In addition to safeguarding our local natural heritage, preservation of habitats of this nature honours our international responsibilities towards the preservation of global biodiversity,” he added.
The purchase and protection of this biodiverse slice of ancient forest land has been a top priority of the National Trust’s Environmental Programmes since 1994.
Given the ecological value of the Bluff forest habitat, and the potential of the reserve for research and education, US Fish and Wildlife Service NMBCA agreed that the consolidation of the Brac Parrot Reserve was a worthy cause, and supported the grant application for the full amount requested.
Despite this generous contribution, almost two-thirds of the price of the land purchase price remained to be met.
Further signaling its support for the conservation efforts of the Trust, CI Government agreed to make up the shortfall of funds through a contribution from the Environment Fund.
The National Trust took the unprecedented step of borrowing US$250,000 towards making up the immediate shortfall in finances, so that the land transfer could be finalized as soon as possible.
Frank Roulstone, General Manager of the Trust, said, “The National Trust for the Cayman Islands is extremely grateful that the consolidation of the Brac Parrot Reserve has been possible thanks to the assistance of both local and overseas partners.”
Mr Roulstone said the timing was especially fitting as bird populations continue to recover from the long term effects of Hurricane Ivan and many migrating birds begin their winter visits.
“The land will now rest in its natural state in perpetuity as a home for diverse species of plants and animals. It will be a living classroom and place of wonder to residents and visitors to the Cayman Islands for generations to come.
“The National Trust is extremely appreciative of the financial support from the Government of the Cayman Islands and US Fish and Wildlife Service NMBCA for making this consolidation possible”, he said.
According to Gina Ebanks-Petrie, Director of the DoE, “The conservation of biodiverse habitat is a priority objective for the Department of Environment under the Darwin Initiative programme, and the consolidation of the Brac Parrot Reserve is a very significant achievement.”
Ms Ebanks-Petrie added that over the next two years, the Initiative will focus on the development and implementation of practical Action Plans towards maintaining the terrestrial and marine diversity of these Islands.
The land purchase was concluded earlier this month, as the remaining strip of land was finally transferred to the ownership of the National Trust. The new area will be declared inalienable, consolidating and protecting the nature reserve in perpetuity.
According to the DoE, this will ensure that future generations will be able to visit the Bluff forest, and enjoy this unique place, and the wealth of wildlife, both local and international, which it supports.
