...some good news for a change

Last month, the staff and guests at the Palmyra Resort in Montego Bay had something big to celebrate.  A Cuvier’s beaked whale that strayed into the resort’s swimming area and got itself trapped was successfully returned to the open sea.

Marine mammal specialist Deloy Peharie (left) and volunteer Kevin Rosen guide a stranded whale toward the open sea.  The animal had become trapped in shallow water near the Palmyra Resort.

… new name, old problem

World Wetlands Day has come and gone, but the event’s sponsor, the United Nations Environment Program, is still working to encourage better care for the world’s seacoasts.  Last week, UNEP’s Executive Director and Indonesia’s Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries announced a joint “global scientific assessment on Blue Carbon”.

…baby steps, moving forward

Jamaica’s tourism (or any other industry) will only be truly sustainable when all of its costs – including costs to the society and the environment -- are fully and honestly counted, and recovered from those who reap the benefits.  Environmental costs have at least been recognized, though up to now there has been only a little recovery.

…the enemy is still us.

Strong, lightweight, waterproof and cheap, plastic shopping bags are loved by merchants and used in huge numbers.  They have also become a popular demon.  Around the world, cities and towns have banned them or forced retailers to charge for them.  Ireland and South Africa have imposed steep taxes on them.  Certainly, plastic bags have some bad features.  Making them takes scarce oil or natural gas.  They don’t break down when they’re thrown away, or they do break down and release poisons into the air and the water.  And they contribute to a growing amount of litter that’s dangerous to both people and animals.