|
| |
Wednesday, May 9, 2007 Saint Lucians are again being reminded of the
detrimental effects of indiscriminate sand mining on some of the island's remote
eco-sensitive beaches.
Grand Anse and Petite Anse beaches on the island's north eastern coast are two
of the beaches that have been constantly affected by this illegal activity.
During a visit to the two beaches last weekend Permanent Secretary in the
Ministry of Physical Development Marcia Philbert-Jules said if not curtailed,
the practice will have devastating consequences on the island's own
sustainability.
It means that in any storm event the sea will move its way inward and whereas
in this case there are no persons living within the immediate area or there is
no established form of agriculture or anything like that, its relatively arid
lands, there is however, a clear demonstration to all of what can happen if we
allow this sort of indiscriminate activity to take place. she said.
Jules said her Ministry and other agencies will continue monitoring activities
on the nation's beaches to prevent the spread of sand mining.
I think it is a picture to be seen by all which can be used as an educational
tool to help people come to grips with the reality of the implications of this
type of activity and we most certainly will be following up with various
government departments that have responsibility for monitoring this type of
activity so something can be done to prevent it spreading to other areas, she
added.
The indiscriminate sand mining is also having an effect on the bio-diversity of
the area with turtle and iguana nestlings being disrupted by vehicles during
these illicit activities.
|
