Bird call

Publication: Sunday Sun
Paper Section And Page: 16A
Paper Date: Sun, Nov 28, 1999
By-Line: by Julia Rawlins


GOVERNMENT is being called upon to give more support to the construction of the $6 million Graeme Hall Bird Sanctuary in Worthing, Christ Church.

And director of the sanctuary, Peter Allard, is pondering whether or not Government is concerned enough about eco-tourism and conserving the natural environment to assist in the drive to rebuild the swamp.

Inspired by an article written by Karl Watson, Allard thought it important to preserve a major example of Barbadian natural heritage and restore the area.

"Barbados is missing out on an incredible eco-tourism opportunity, since [Graeme Hall] is one of the last sanctuaries of green space on the island situated in an incredibly dense urban area," lamented Allard, adding it was also important to the country's long-term development.

He noted upon its completion, the sanctuary could attract as much as 50 000 visitors annually after the second year of operation, with about US$1 million being generated.

"The more diverse and interesting the tourists attractions and experiences, the more likely people will have reasons to come back," he said.

"The long-term goal of the sanctuary will be to entertain as well as educate those who pass through it," Allard said.

To accomplish this, plans have been put in place to assist bird watchers, students and visitors with identifying the various types of birds, fish and other fauna they may see during their tours, and give them the opportunity to learn more about birds and their way of life through observation.

In addition, redevelopment of the 80-acre swamp and water catchment area will initially create jobs for 50 or 60 people, including security guards through the day and night, and gardeners.

"Persons employed to care for the birds will need to have exposure to veterinary breeding protocols, proper documentation of records and experience when dealing with birds and fish," he noted.

However, the director told the SUNDAY SUN since preliminary work began on the sanctuary two years ago, many obstacles had been encountered, some of which were yet to be overcome.

In a letter written to Member of Parliament Sir Harold St. John on November 8, Allard outlined he had not yet received any approvals from Town and Country Planning or any interim duty-free status from the Ministry of Finance as was promised by the former Minister of Tourism two years ago.

He also pointed out that there appeared to be a fairly unified front between Environmental and Coastal Conservation that the sanctuary should take on sole responsibility for the environmental well-being of the entire Graeme Hall drainage.

"The suggestion that our organisation mitigate water quality over which we have no control is but one example of how Government has abrogated its responsibility to accept a leadership and collaborative role to remedy problems originating outside the sanctuary and which are unrealistically onerous, if not impossible to control," stated the letter to the former prime minister when he inquired about the status of the project.

"We are being asked to look after the water quality which could also cost us more than the entire budged of the US$3 to US$4 million eco-tourist site," Allard said.

He felt water quality should not be solely their concern, since the swamp was a sink for contamination from surrounding businesses, farms and homes, rather than the source.

The director said that in an effort to co-operate with Government, they funded a study by the University of the West Indies on sea grass and water quality in and around the sanctuary.

"These things are being done since we recognise the importance of such a sanctuary to the island, and in addition to education, research and conservation, we see it as another means of attracting more tourists to our shores and generating more revenue."

Another stumbling block in the progress of the sanctuary was the demolition of white mangrove trees by Olympio Lotteries earlier this year to extend their car park.

"Those trees, some which took over 25 years to mature, acted as a noise and visual barrier providing the birds with the preferred tranquil setting. None of the trees has yet been replanted, despite an order served by Town and Country Planning to restore a buffer zone," Allard said.

He said that though the project had received support from some politicians, Government's lack of active co-operation and real direction had taken its toll on its completion.

Yet, despite the setbacks, Allard and his team are determined to succeed in their venture while working within their limitations.

"The boardwalk where visitors will walk along is 90 per cent finished, and the entire area has already been fenced, as a security measure," he said.

On a positive note, he said they were seeing an increase in the number of schools, church and hotel groups visiting the sanctuary.

"What we really want is the same co-operation, incentives and approvals given to commercial businesses to be given to the sanctuary," said Allard, adding that habitat conservation and natural heritage protection require strong commitments from the public and private sectors from which sound environmental policies can evolve.

"Graeme Hall Bird Sanctuary is committed to leaving a natural heritage legacy to the people of Barbados, by creating a world-class centre for education, eco-tourism and conservation," Allard concluded.