Cayman ought to protect not less than 30% of land

Cayman News Service

[ad_1]

Critically endangered ‘Old George’ bromeliad (from social media)

(CNS): The Cayman Islands needs to place at least 30% of its terrestrial habitat under formal protection to have a chance of preserving the nation’s natural resources, according to Fred Burton, the director of the Terrestrial Resources Unit at the Department of the Environment. Speaking on Radio Cayman’s Talk Today programme last week, the local flora and fauna expert said that Cayman should be aiming for this United Nations goal to preserve its unique but threatened biodiversity.

Burton said the current presumption of our economic system is one of endless growth, which he warned will undermine our quality of life and the biodiversity of the islands. Instead, Cayman needs to institute a plan based on the UN recommendations to set aside 30% of the land, as well as marine areas, for protection to secure the natural resources we depend on to live.

“If we do that and we are sensitive about…

[ad_2]