Protect Our Geological Heritage, Protect Tourism

6154
The world-renowned Dunn’s River Falls – Picture courtesy of Getty images/Lonely Planet images

by: Rosalee D. Wood

“When the last tree has been cut down, the last fish caught, the last river poisoned, only then will we realize that one cannot eat money.”


Jamaica’s main revenue stream is from Tourism, which explains why the Tourism ministry works assiduously to increase the number of visitors each year to the island for this main reason. So far, they have done an excellent job in increasing flights and cruises from various destinations across the world. It is important to note, however, that we attract tourists because of our Geological Heritage, something we need to protect just as important as other aspects of our heritage.


When we speak of Geological Heritage, we are referring to the natural geomorphologic features that are seen as intriguing because of their beauty, scientific and/or educational value. Jamaica is known as the land of wood and water. The beauty of the island, because of these geological heritage sites, is our main selling point for tourism. Some of our more famous geological heritage sites used for tourism are the Blue Mountain, the island’s longest mountain range, the world-renowned Dunn’s River Falls, and, of course, our famous Seven Mile Beach in Negril.


In recent days, many have fallen into shock about the drying up of the Somerset Falls in Portland, one of our main tourist destinations in that part of the island, and speculations have started to arise regarding what could have caused this phenomenon. In addition, there have been cries about possible mining in the Cockpit Country, which is a protected natural reserve. One Facebook group labelled the Cockpit Warriors are opposing this by voicing the negative impact that bauxite mining will have on the environment. However, several geologists and other political figures have discarded the notion that there will be mining in the Cockpits.


Bauxite mining, however, is not the only act by mankind that can have a negative impact on the environment. Other issues that must be taken into consideration include pollution and illegal construction, and these cannot only be blamed on the government, but residents as well, who must also play their role.


PIT LATERINES, ILLEGAL CONSTRUCTION AND OLD FARMING PRACTICES


Jamaica’s Geological Heritage includes the mountain ranges, our rivers, waterfalls and our beaches. The government has banned the use of single-use plastics in a bid to lessen the hazard that plastic waste has caused on the environment, while promoting more biodegradable and re-usable products. While this is considered a good move, there is still the issue of persons discarding of their waste improperly. Garbage is being dumped in gullies, in rivers and in valleys. Pollution does not only refer to improper garbage disposal. Although the country has become modernized, there are still several persons living in the country, and even the city areas, that have pit latrines. This is considered improper sewage disposal, which also negatively impacts our environment. Soil, water and air pollution are the results when either are contaminated by hazardous waste. This contributes to the creation of greenhouse gases and also harms marine and wildlife.


Construction alters geological heritage, therefore, we have to be mindful of where we build and what we build when we build. All construction must be approved by the parish council in each parish. However, the impact of illegal settlements is an issue right across the island. One of the major negative impacts of illegal construction on the environment includes flooding, landslides, and deforestation. These natural disasters help to alter the geological state of the environment. The long-term effect will see rivers changing route or drying up, less forest cover on our mountain ranges and beaches experiencing erosion.


At the recently held 67th staging of the Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show, Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged that farmers refrain from “longstanding agricultural practices” such as the slash and burn technique in a bid to protect the environment. The negative effects of this practice include deforestation, depopulation of wildlife and loss of their habitats, an increase in wild bush fires, and an increase in air pollution and the release of carbon into the atmosphere – which contributes to global climate change.


If we lose our geological heritage, our island will have nothing to offer to tourists. In light of this, there are several environmentalists who have been raising awareness and teaching persons how to avoid destroying our main revenue generator. The onus is not only on the government to play their role, but also on the citizens.

264 COMMENTS

  65. Thanks, I have recently been looking for info approximately this topic for ages and yours is the greatest I’ve discovered so far. However, what concerning the conclusion? Are you positive concerning the supply?

  102. I do believe all of the concepts you have introduced in your post. They’re very convincing and will definitely work. Nonetheless, the posts are very quick for newbies. May just you please extend them a bit from next time? Thank you for the post.

  124. Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it isreally informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels.I will be grateful if you continue this in future. A lot of people will be benefitedfrom your writing. Cheers!

  127. Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I have really enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. In any case I will be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again soon!

  136. Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely comeback.

  139. Thanks , I have just been searching for information about this topic for ages and yours is the best I’ve discovered till now. But, what about the bottom line? Are you sure about the source?

  140. I don’t even understand how I ended up here, but I assumed thispost was once great. I do not recognise who you might be but definitelyyou’re going to a well-known blogger when you are not already.Cheers!

  186. I am not sure where you are getting your info, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more. Thanks for wonderful info I was looking for this info for my mission.

  264. PBN sites
    We will build a network of PBN sites!

    Benefits of our privately-owned blog network:

    WE DO everything SO THAT google doesn’t comprehend THAT this is A private blog network!!!

    1- We acquire web domains from distinct registrars

    2- The primary site is hosted on a virtual private server (Virtual Private Server is fast hosting)

    3- Other sites are on various hostings

    4- We designate a distinct Google ID to each site with verification in Search Console.

    5- We create websites on WP, we don’t employ plugins with aided by which malware penetrate and through which pages on your websites are generated.

    6- We refrain from reproduce templates and utilize only individual text and pictures

    We never work with website design; the client, if wanted, can then edit the websites to suit his wishes

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here