The Department of Environment has released a poster aimed at raising awareness of the critically endangered Mountain Chicken.
The poster, part of the Darwin Initiative Mountain Chicken Project, was implemented by the Department of Environment and the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust.
It depicts a healthy mountain chicken showing its moist textured skin, colour and markings on the hind legs, which distinguish it from the invasive cane toad. Continue reading
BRADES, Montserrat – A project to build artificial reefs is now well into its second phase and making a difference to Montserrat’s marine ecosystem.
The Montserrat Reef Project was initiated by Andrew Myers and Emmy Aston, who currently operate Scuba Montserrat and was funded during the second round of the Montserrat Tourism Board’s Tourism Challenge Fund. This enabled the duo to create a diving and snorkeling trail off of Woodlands Beach. Continue reading
There’s still a glimmer of hope for the island’s critically endangered mountain chickens. Continue reading
SWEENEY’S, Montserrat – A Young Montserratian has had one of his images included in the multi-volume series Handbook of the Birds of the World. Continue reading
BRADES, Montserrat – The Department of Environment is preparing to host its 21st annual National Tree Planting Day tomorrow Wednesday, November 9.
According to a release from the department, distribution of plants will begin at 7:00 a.m. at the plant nursery at Shinlands. Residents are reminded to bring along a cardboard box to safely transport their plants.
“The plant nursery of the Department of Environment has spent the past few months propagating over one thousand plants, spread over 25 varieties, for distribution to the public. Each individual will be allowed to select a maximum of 3 plants including 2 fruit trees and I ornamental tree, for a total reduced cost of EC$10.00,” says Director Gerard Gray. Continue reading
A climate change brochure has been released by the Department of the Environment
BRADES, Montserrat –The Department of Environment as part of its outreach programme has published a brochure to raise awareness of climate change and the possible impact it could have on Montserrat.
“Climate change will have its greatest effect on small islands such as Montserrat which have fragile and vulnerable environments and limited resources,” says Director Gerald Gray. “These islands have contributed the least to climate change. However, the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events such as heat waves, droughts and floods; and increased incidence of vector borne diseases, may have negative impacts on the islands’ productivity. Climate change is likely to affect the major socio-economic areas such as tourism, health, agriculture, finance and infrastructure.” Continue reading
BRADES, Montserrat – Island of Fire, a collection of photographs featuring Montserrat’s Soufriere Hills Volcano was released here on Friday, October 14, 2011 by the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO).
Director Dr. Paul Cole said the 66 spectacular images of Soufriere were all taken by staff and colleagues of the observatory and includes extended captions written by the scientists.
The book is jointly published by the MVO and the University of the West Indies, copies of which were presented to each of the local primary schools during Friday’s launch.
Described as “more than a ‘coffee-table book’” by Dr. John Pallister of the United States Geological Service (USGS), “Island of Fire is a compilation of spectacular full-page photographs and captions detailing volcanic activity, scientific work, and the devastating effects of the volcano over the past 15 years.” Continue reading
BRADES, Montserrat – The Mountain Chicken Project, run by the Department of Environment and Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, is pleased to announce that they will be sponsoring a prize in the 2011 National Calypso Monarch Competition, for the best calypso describing the mountain chickens in crisis.
The winning calypso will best describe the cultural significance of the mountain chicken to Montserrat and the fact that it is under threat of extinction by the deadly chytrid fungus, which is affecting amphibians all over the world. Continue reading
BRADES, Montserrat – Deputy Premier and Minister of Communications & Works, the Honourable Charles T. Kirnon has said Montserrat is actively exploring renewable sources of energy.
Minister Kirnon said during the launch of the new power station project for Montserrat that one of the government’s medium term goals is “to reduce the island’s dependence on imported fossil fuel for its energy needs. Government is therefore advancing its plans at geothermal development.”
DFID Programme Representative for Montserrat Kato Kimbugwe said at the same launch that they are in support of the Government’s desire to find more secure platforms of renewable like geothermal and wind. Continue reading
SWEENEY’S, Montserrat – A brochure has been published to raise awareness on the invasive Red Fire Ants.
This forms part of the Department of Environment’s outreach program.
The information sheet provides useful information on how to recognize the fire ant and nest and what precautionary actions persons can take to avoid being stung.
The brochure goes on to explain the impacts the ants can have on agriculture, health infrastructure and how it can disrupt recreational and social events.
The document also covers what one should do if they have been stung by the fire ants and actions one can take to control the spread of the Invasive Red Fire Ant species on island. Continue reading