EDITORIAL - Who will save our reefs?

Persistent warnings about reef degradation and beach erosion in Jamaica are apparently not enough to galvanise the nation into decisive action. Beaches from Ocho Rios to Negril have been eroding for years, yet our leaders have never really focused on the scope and national significance of these challenges.

So far this year, we have heard about two recent studies that point to the urgent need to move forward with solutions to protect our coastal ecosystem.

But these studies are just additions to the large body of scientific data, predictions and research about the need to avert the crisis of our ecosystem, with each one more disturbing than the last. As is the usual case, we are long on identifying the problems but short on implementing solutions and applying the necessary controls.

Human activity, including urban sprawl, deforestation, pollution of waterways, and overfishing, have all contributed to the current situation. There are other natural factors that have affected our beaches, including incoming wave energy and powerful storm surges that strip away the sand. The experts have observed that shoreline recovery from the ravages of regular hurricanes is taking longer and longer these days.

The experts are now predicting that thousands of fisherfolk and the people who depend on them may be deprived of a livelihood if the degradation of our marine habitat continues at the current pace.

degradation

The latest study also revealed that in just 10 years, the degradation rate in our principal tourist areas of Negril, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios ranges from 50-100 per cent. A layman's interpretation of this data would be that parts of these beaches are being swallowed up each year by wind, tides and rising sea levels. Our beaches are the prime attraction for tourists, but for locals, the beach is often the destination of choice when they are in search of rest and relaxation. In other words, a reversal of erosion is in everyone's best interest.

Jamaica needs an intensive education programme to help citizens understand how erosion can imperil the lives and livelihoods of its people. People need to understand how actions such as indiscriminate dumping of pollutants and various other poor environmental and building practices can all affect the environment.

For many coastal countries, beach erosion is a major problem, but it is also true that coastal engineers, marine experts, environmental groups and tourist interests have found many solutions to the problems they face. We urge the relevant authorities to put our various experts to work and get them to deliver environmentally sound and ecologically harmonious options for erosion control so we can stave off the impending dangers.

It is also necessary to undertake a policy review, and if needs be strengthen the current laws to ensure that persons who commit environmental breaches are dealt with speedily and painfully. We must recognise a common interest in preserving our natural resources for our enjoyment and for the pleasure of generations to come.

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