By Makeida Antonio
Antigua and Barbuda (Observer Antigua) – The replanting of mangrove wetlands will be on the National Parks Authority’s agenda for 2022, along with public awareness and education.
Speaking during yesterday’s observance of World Wetlands Day – held under the theme ‘Wetlands Action for People and Nature’ – marine biologist Ruleo Camacho said plans have been made to restore mangroves in areas where they have either been destroyed or compromised over the years.
“One of our priorities on our work plans for this year is to start to do some replanting exercises again at these different spots where we have identified that it has been removed in the past or we’ve seen some major threats and we’re hoping to start to get some replanting done in those areas so we can reconnect the ecosystem and ensure that it is providing the best services that they can,” Camacho told the Observer AM show.
He believes that many residents are oblivious to the extent of damage sustained by wetlands as balancing development with conservation has not been a priority.
