Natural Wonders of the Caribbean
An environmental hotspot is an area that has lost over
70% of its primary vegetation and at present, the Caribbean retains a mere
11.3% of its primary vegetation. Therefore, the region has been identified
as a biodiversity hotspot as it is home to 7,000 species of endemic plants
and 779 species of endemic vertebrates, which is equivalent to 2.3% and
2.9% of global plants and vertebrate species, respectively. In addition,
there are high numbers of plant species supporting a high numbers of
vertebrates. Hence, disrupting one population will have a negative impact
on the other. This emphasizes the need to preserve as well as conserve the
remaining natural environment of the Caribbean. On the basis of these
figures, the region has been ranked fifth as a global hotspot.
General objective:
The project set out to produce multimedia educational
resources to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the
environment amongst adults and youth focusing in particular on natural
features and ecosystems that are unique to the Caribbean region. Through
such a project it is hoped that from a young age, Caribbean peoples would
become appreciative of the uniqueness of their natural environment and
therefore would be encouraged to pursue scientific careers and devise means
of preserving their environment while benefiting from it.
Brief Description of Activities:
In 2004 and 2005, research, planning, travel and filming
in 6 countries, editing and animation work were undertaken to produce very
attractive multimedia educational resources on the following natural wonders
of the Caribbean:
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Waterfalls
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Mangrove swamps
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Tropical rainforests with emphasis on the unique flora
and fauna
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Coral Reefs
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Karst landscapes
In 2005, a 10-minute video that documented and explained
each wonder was produced. It dealt with:
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the formation and the biotic and non-biotic components
of each of these phenomena;
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the role and importance of each of these phenomena in
our environment; and
-
the effects of anthropogenic activities on these
ecosystems.
With the support of UNESCO and CCST, 3000 copies of the
video were made and distributed to schools and libraries throughout the
region. The videos were complemented by the production of a
visually-attractive mobile poster exhibition on the five wonders. CCST
members have been given permission to replicate the exhibition for use in
their public education programmes.
Collaborating Agencies
The project was undertaken by NIHERST with the support of
UNESCO, the Ministry of Science, Technology & Tertiary Education (MSTTE),
the Caribbean Council for Science & Technology and its national focal
points.
Written: June 2007
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