uly 22, 2010 ….Some of the sponsors of the EcoZone Summer Camp are actively involved in improving the environmental situation in Antigua and Barbuda. One such example is the Sustainable Island Resource Management Mechanism (SIRMM) which is the platinum sponsor of the camp. One of the aims of the project is to improve the biodiversity in certain parts of the island. The project is focused on four main areas of the island: Body Ponds, Cades Bay, Wallings Forest and the North-West Coast.

SIRMM has been working in the Body Ponds watershed where they have introduced measures to eradicate lemon grass, which is an invasive species. This grass has done significant damage to the watershed by causing soil erosion which adversely affects the Dam.

EcoZone Summer campers have gotten involved with the eradication of the lemon grass by planting trees in the Body Ponds watershed. An area has been sectioned off for the campers, and last year the EcoZone Summer Camp planted several hundred trees in the area. This year campers continue the work of tree planting and maintenance in the Body Ponds watershed. During the course of the summer campers will continue to visit Body Ponds to plant more trees as well as to learn about the general care of forests.

Further, in an effort to showcase the importance of the mangrove swamps, campers have visited South Coast Horizon where they kayaked through the mangrove and enjoyed our rich biodiversity from a tourism perspective. Prior to their trip to South Coast Horizon, campers visited with Fisheries Officer Tricia Lovell in the Cades Bay mangrove. There, the campers learnt about the importance of mangroves and how their preservation affects our livelihoods.

Campers have also been to Wallings Forest where they have been involved in bird watching and hiking. The Forest is also managed by SIRMM, and campers have begun the work of creating posters and other art work which will be displayed in the Wallings Forest Interpretation Centre. Next week, campers will swing through the Forest with the Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tour.

EcoZone Summer Camp is organised by the Environment Division and continues until the 6th of August.
For all the info online: http://www.searchantigua.com/antigua-barbuda-events/ecozone-summer-camp/