the thin line between Destruction and development
 

An ode to the "quick fixes" with far reaching repercussions... 

There are always situations when a project has commenced and you ask yourself, what is the real objective here?
That said, the mental conversation and further questioning as to the justification and reasoning behind certain pieces of infrastructure being built begins.  Somewhere on a road parallel to the beautiful coast, which of course is not too far away from a "marine park" that bills are being feverishly prepared for debate on a national level, there is the age old idea of a "box drain" being made a reality. 

One might argue that it's all in the name of 'development' and even say such projects are carried out with a view of improving drainage. This is not untrue, however it's not the what you are doing, it's the how, and the why. In this case, we can use the example of a now ongoing project between the resort side of the Mt Irvine Bay area, and the Surf/Bar/Recreational area of the bay, which sees an influx of large amounts of people, particularly post pandemic since the
re-opening of beach facilities and recreational areas adjacent. 

Seeing that the Easter period festivities are completed, the remnants of merriment and revelry are still ongoing. Added to this, is the movement of heavy machinery, workmen, caution tape and signage being erected to reflect a construction site, much to the curiosity of the said revelers and beachgoers. Most inquisitive are the business owners, conservationists and environmental activists, who seem to be openly expressing their concerns over said 'development'.

Aside from all of the noise, the newly proposed drainage system that is being constructed came as a result of one establishment complaining that their general area of operation is being flooded as a result of a lack of runoff.
This prompted a quite 'large' idea of development as a result of one business operator's plea. 

So... What is at stake here?
The wetlands, the beach that we all enjoy, and in the long term the Buccoo Reef can and will eventually see the effects of this...
Seeing that the Division in which the Environmental Unit is housed,
(The Division of Quarries Infrastructure and the Environment) under who's remit all things coastal are controlled and monitored, this comes as a surprise. After all the organization is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that proper management of coastal spaces as it relates to conservation, protection and that simple, sensible practices are adhered to. 

The Wetlands
Actually wetlands are responsible for accepting water during storms and whenever water levels are high. When water levels are low, wetlands slowly release water, so in this case, the construction that is ongoing will serve to flood the wetlands on a constant basis, which would cause disruption in the functionality of the wetlands adjacent to the project. This also releases vegetative matter into rivers (there is a river nearby which runs out to the sea) which helps feed fish and other marine life.

Wetlands also help to counter balance the human effect on rivers by rejuvenating them and surrounding ecosystems, so lets consider the damage to marine life that will be a long term effect of this development. By extension the beach that we keenly enjoy for recreational activities with our families, may probably cease to upkeep it's natural beauty in the very near future. 

The Reef Affected - Long Term
Think about the constant runoff of pollution,  and or waste matter  from  newly constructed  or redirected watercourses.
Wastewater pollution can impact on the corals in the reef, including sewage, industrial waste, agricultural nutrients, pesticides and other toxic chemicals that may make its way down into the ocean via said watercourses.

Also we must consider that wastewater pollution exacerbates the impacts on reef eco-systems, which are already under pressure from overexploitation (such as over fishing) and other recreational activities that affect the health and general condition of the reef and areas therein.  Again in this instance is evident that large increases in pollution can disturb the dynamic balance of coastlines and delicate ecosystems including coral reefs.  

Some may throw their hands up in protest to the project, and others may just mumble under their breath their personal thoughts on the matter. Whichever the reaction, the understanding is that attention has to be brought to such projects for what they really are. Is it truly development?

Or is it a ploy to 'kick start' the economy post-covid through moving machinery and steel and concrete mechanisms?
Is this form of development sustainable? Does it suit our natural eco-systems and serve to protect sensitive environmental areas?
All of these are concerns that must be addressed but for now, we can only do the observing bystander act....
Then again, would our children forgive us for standing idly by without acting.........