Grass and forest fires are destroying our natural resource and watersheds.
On Thursday 3rd February a fire was observed near Signal Hill, which is part of the Body Ponds Watershed Area. The Body Ponds Watershed is currently centre stage for the SIRMM’s Rehabilitation Project that seeks to promote soil and water conservation. A fire within any watershed can threaten the quality of soil and water resources and accelerate degradation. Fires expose the steep slopes of the hills leaving them vulnerable to the elements. The impact of rain and wind on bear slopes leads to an increase in erosion rates and soil loss.
Continued degradation of soil within the area affects agricultural production and compromises the storage capacity of water catchment areas. As the soil erodes, it is deposited in the dams and ponds within the drainage basin. This reduces their capacity to hold water. Sediments, which run, unfiltered, over the land, may also carry pollutants that can contaminate valuable water resources.
Areas within the hills covered by Lemon Grass are particularly vulnerable because the volatile oil in the grass causes it to burn with an intense heat that destroys everything around it. Additionally, when the grass is burnt it leaves root clumps behind creating a channeling effect, which increases the potential for erosion by water and leaves the soil bare, and exposed to wind damage. This further adds to the problem of soil degradation and the loss of biodiversity.
These intense fires, which are created by the burning of the fever grass, consume areas of healthy forests and destroys natural habitats. When the Lemon Grass is burnt, several meters of healthy trees are affected. After repeated burning the trees die and the lemon grass takes over the area. The Lemon grass is adapted to survive fires and thrives in areas that are burnt often.
It is believed that most of the fires are started deliberately to induce new growth for livestock and for improving access to farm lands. However this practice destroys the very resources that these sectors depend on and can negatively affect livelihoods.
The SIRMM project continues to advocate that these fires must be stopped. If you see a Fire call 911, report what you see and hear. Fires cause topsoil loss, deteriorate water quality, and threatens wildlife, habitat, life and property.
We encourage resource users to consult with the Ministry of Agriculture for advice on best practices pertaining to the clearing of land and utilization of watershed resources.
Well-forested watersheds support livelihoods and increases the productivity of soils, the carrying capacity of natural habitats and provides environmental goods and services that human beings need to survive.
For more information about the Body Ponds demo, the SIRMM Project and the work it is doing in both Antigua and Barbuda, please visit www.gefantigua.org.
Contact:
Forestry Unit
Mr. Adriel Thibou – Forestry Assistant
Ministry of Agriculture, Lands,
Housing and the Environment
forestryunitab@gmail.com
268-562-1959
SIRMM Project Coordinator
Ms Ruleta Camacho
C/o Environment Division
Ministry of Agriculture, Lands,
Housing and the Environment
sirmmab@gmail.com
268-720-5510
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