Times of the Islands Spring 2024

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green pages newsletter of the department of environment & coastal resources bird, the Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) can often be seen flying, fishing, and nesting along Middle Caicos. The beautiful and natural landscapes of the TCI RAMSAR site provide a plethora of functions and benefits to the country and its residents, through means of storm mitigation, agriculture, recreation, and research. ESL and the DECR have partnered together over the last two years to conduct steady research into the RAMSAR site and evaluate threats to the ecological functioning of the nature reserve, both via anthropogenic and climatic influences. Due to low elevation of the islands, sea level rise and saltwater intrusion pose imminent dangers, particularly for coastal areas, allowing more saline water to permeate the internal sections of the land and affect ground water. The vulnerability of these wetlands to changes in rainfall patterns and increased drought durations amplifies the risk, leading to dry conditions in salinas that impact migratory birds’ breeding and feeding grounds. Increases in average annual temperature and UV indices (a consequence of climate change), present an additional threat, influencing the growth cycles and amounts of crucial wetland species. Migration and spawning cycles, as well as seed and fruit production and dispersal are increasingly vulnerable to these changing environmental conditions. Unfettered and ill-planned construction can lead to deforestation, forests and waterways being fragmented, and compacting of soils. It is in these vulnerable and exposed areas that invasive species such as Cow Bush (Leucaena leucocephala) and Australian Pine Trees (Casuarina equisetifolia) can quickly spread and outcompete native species and ultimately change soil chemistry. Increasing development, including residential and commercial construction, brings about localised pollution, threatens ground-nesting birds, sea turtles, and iguanas, and intensifies unregulated activities such as fishing, poaching, and charcoal burning—all of which contribute to the degradation of these vital wetland habitats. To map an area of over 580 km 2 which is largely inaccessible, technology is a huge enabler. Satellite imagery was used to identify key features and functions by designing several indicators which will help monitor the wetlands in the future, highlighting potential issues in near real time. A habitat map for the TCI was previously created by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) as part of an earlier project, utilizing AI generated random forest models using Sentinel 2 and optical imagery. The accuracy of the map is good but understandably not perfect. However, it forms an excellent baseline which can CHRISTOPHER MAY Here, the DECR’s North Caicos staff members examine the mangroves, another important wetland species. They provide natural infrastructure to help reduce erosion and absorb storm surge impacts, while their dense roots help bind and build soils. 38 www.timespub.tc
green pages newsletter of the department of environment & coastal resources This is a natural flood plain on East Caicos, another important part of the ecological system. It serves to filter and store water, secure natural flood protection and help sustain biological diversity. be updated with field work. This project has allowed for ground truthing and a more accurate description of some areas, particularly around the coast of East Caicos. To understand more of the surrounding areas, the field team used an aerial drone to visualise areas in the vicinity of the survey points. The project actively contributes to capacity building by enhancing the technical capabilities of the DECR staff and engaging local students in the fascinating complexity of the wetlands and the species they support. Through strategic outreach efforts, the project has built up the knowledge of the importance of the wetlands to both Islanders and visitors. This engagement instils a deeper understanding of the wetlands’ ecological significance, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for their preservation. By helping residents understand the broader significance of the RAMSAR site, we cultivate a sense of stewardship and collaboration, reinforcing the importance of collective efforts in the preservation of these ecologically vital wetlands. a Above: This image shows the TCI RAMSAR site border. These are the attendees at a recent workshop for the Darwin PLUS 129 Project. CHRISTOPHER MAY DODLY PROSPER Times of the Islands Spring 2024 39
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