by Curlan Campbell, NOW Grenada
- Six Senses developers reduce salt pond and mangrove to wasteland
- One narrowed salt pond will be an integral part of resort’s architectural design
- La Sagesse is third most diverse birding site in Grenada
Once a haven for over 70 species of migratory birds, a striving mangrove population and a saltwater pond, bulldozers and other heavy machinery have reduced the area to a wasteland destined for the construction of Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas.
Concerned wildlife conservationist and veterinarian Dr Kenrith Carter, questioning the motive of the developers, posted a video on social media highlighting the extent of deforestation of the mangroves. Concerned citizens also uploaded earlier pictures of the La Sagesse salt pond, comparing them with current images of the area.
For over 30 years since the construction of La Sagesse Nature Centre, there was no major development on the La Sagesse beach until recently when the government and project developers Range Developments, marked the groundbreaking ceremony. The first of two Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas is slated to open in 2022, part of the latest luxury hospitality projects in the Caribbean by Range Developments, under the Citizenship by Investment programme.
The developers gave the assurance that over 500 jobs will be created during the lifespan of the project. However, with La Sagesse being the third most diverse birding site in Grenada, Dr Carter and other conservationists are of the view this will in no way compensate for the degradation of the environment.
Take for example the salt ponds which attract a large number of migratory birds that come south for the winter months and hosts many year-round resident bird species. Dr Carter identified some major species of birds including shorebirds, waterfowl, marsh birds, pigeons, doves, gulls, pelicans, mangrove and dry forest species that have made the salt ponds home.
He further explained the significant role the salt ponds and surrounding habitat plays. “This birding site is used by 46% (72/152) of all bird species documented here in Grenada. Salt ponds provide a range of different habitats with their varying levels of salinity. At different depths different water plants, algae and invertebrates exist providing food sources for smaller birds to feed on. The presence of fish supports larger birds like herons, egrets, terns, pelicans, rare kingfisher, and ospreys. The salt ponds are not only feeding grounds, they provide shelter and breeding grounds. They are not only vital to birds, but all wildlife and the mangroves provided coastal protection against natural disasters.”
The conservationist foresees major consequences that the removal of mangrove will have on wildlife species and the environment. “The removal of their habitat is disastrous for our migratory species who spend weeks flying thousands of miles across continents to their known shelter, feeding and resting place. On arrival, migratory species have lost 30-40% of their body weight and it is crucial that they are able to get adequate nutrition before they migrate again to breed. If they are unsuccessful in gaining enough mass, they will die on their journey.”
“The loss of the vegetation around the pond will alter its quality. With the entire pond now being exposed to the hot sun, the water quality will change, and silt from the cleared land will wash into the pond. This will likely cause a change in nutrient levels, resulting in unwanted algae blooms, reducing oxygen levels and killing off fish and invertebrates living in the pond,” Dr Carter said.
NOW Grenada understands that one salt pond will be an integral part of the overall architectural design of the resort, however, sources close to the project claim the developers intend on narrowing the salt pond by reducing its size.
Despite the announcement by Managing Director and Member of the Board of Range Developments, Mohammed Asaria, that all preconstruction studies, environmental assessment, and soil tests were completed prior to the start of construction, Dr Carter is still not convinced that those environmental concerns were taken into consideration. “Based on the complete destruction of the area, I do not believe an adequate, unbiased EIA (environmental impact assessment) was conducted to identify and evaluate the environmental consequences the development would have prior to the clearing of the landscape.”
He is also seeking answers from the Minister for Climate Resilience and the Environment, Simon Stiell, on whether they followed the necessary procedures before commencing construction. Under the Physical Planning and Development Control Act, 2002 it states: ‘The Authority must publish in the Gazette and in one newspaper in general circulation in Grenada a notice of the places where and times when the draft may be inspected and must give such other publicity of the draft and of the right to make representations. Any person may make oral or written representations. The Authority must consider and forward a report on them to the Minister. The Authority must make copies of an approved plan available for inspection at its offices and for sale to the public at a reasonable price. Such provisions also apply to any modification or alteration.
“I do not believe this has been done,” Dr Carter said.
Dr Carter, a current member of the Grenada Birding Club, has played a role in the data collection of bird listings that are shared with international organisations, such as the Caribbean Waterbird Census, and The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. He reminisced during his childhood utilising the area for recreation and expressed a sense of sadness for what is currently unfolding.
“Growing up as a child, I was always fascinated by birds. We usually went to La Sagesse to see the ducks. Everyone knew the salt pond would be full of different coloured ducks at certain times of the year. Bird watching takes you outdoors into nature and has been a growing hobby in Grenada amongst locals and visitors. It is fascinating to know you can take a 5-minute drive, with your pair of binoculars and bird ID book to see species that people will normally travel thousands of miles to observe. As an avid birder, I have done bird watch checklists in most of Europe, USA, Canada, and even central America; yet the highest number of species I have documented has been here in Grenada. La Sagesse Salt Pond is my top local site for observing and listing bird species,” Dr Carter said.
Mike Meranski, owner of La Sagesse Nature Centre, although not opposed to development coming to the parish of St David, believes that protecting biodiversity and ecosystems can go hand in hand with development. “Development is wonderful, we are excited about it but we are concerned about overdevelopment and the destruction of the ecosystem, so like everything else you have to find the balance. So we just hope that with this development takes place at La Sagesse that they balance the ecological and environmental needs together with the development of the tourism industry.”
Meranski hopes that project developers are aware of these environmental concerns and take steps to ensure that the problem is minimised. “We understand that Six Senses is very environmentally conscious and aware of these things, but ripping up that entire mangrove worries us. And the whole hillside now when the rainy season comes, where is all that mud going to go? It goes into that salt pond and that salt pond won’t have the capacity any longer to filter itself because the mangrove is gone,” he said.
Efforts to reach Minister Stiell for comment on the matter were unsuccessful. An email sent to Range Developments and as of the publication of this article, a generic response received stated that “someone will be in touch with NOW Grenada shortly to assist you further with your requirements.”
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), mangroves are being destroyed around the world 3-5 times greater than the average rate of deforestation causing billions in environmental damages.
NOW Grenada is not responsible for the opinions, statements or media content presented by contributors. In case of abuse, click here to report.
Please let’s keep it natural!
I would like to know what the European union thinks about this. Are they going to support the destruction of these Caribbean islands . Is this what they are giving money to developing islands to do. No European will agree with this sad very very sad. This is HATE YOU WOULD HAVE TO HATE YOUR COUNTRY AND YOUR PEOPLE TO DO THIS MOST OF ALL YOU WOULD HAVE TOHATE YOURSELF. THIS IS NOT GOOD AT ALL NO ONE BENEFITS FROM THIS RECKLESS BEHAVIOUR. RALPH
That’s the sight of rampant corruption in Grenada. Very bad, it looks like the politicians are unscrupulous and it only get worse. In stead of taking care of our beautiful country they seem to take care only about their private bank accounts.
This is a travesty. Wue would we learn that development does not hve to come at the cost of degrading out environment?
What a travesty.
They mash up Mt Hartman, the home of Grenada’s national bird now this. Yes its WAS one of the best beaches, why do we have to turn the place into the Costa Blanca.
We need tourism, we need investment, but somebody is pulling a lot of wool over somebody’s eyes.
While there may not be a better location for the investor, there must be better locations which would not impact the flora and fauna in such a potentially disastrous way.
This story is so very sad and endemic of what has and still is happening in the West Indies. Just stand on any beach and you will see the destruction, the dead coral goes on and on. The rubbish along the road, in the sewer, left at the beach overflowing. It is on most islands. All this hotel will do is send more mindless people with more money than sense, who never see the real world around them to be waited on by low paid nationals.
Environment
Giving back to the earth
“Every Six Senses property hosts an organic garden to give back to the earth through composting and building healthy soil. Our landscapes are made up of local and non-invasive plant varieties, many of which are fundamental ingredients for our restaurants and spa treatments, as well as in natural cleaning products that we create ourselves in our Earth Labs. We continue to explore how we can keep our habitats healthy and their inhabitants (whether human, hornbill or hammerhead) feeling well”
“Our beautiful terrestrial habitats add value to everyone’s experience (whether human, bee or hornbill), which is why we help them thrive. We support various projects targeting the restoration and conservation of natural habitats such as forests and beaches and work with local farmers, governments and NGOs. Within our resorts we limit chemical use and compost organic matter to regenerate soil and give back to the land.”
In the water
“The world’s oceans are under threat and need help. We are restoring marine habitats through projects such as growing and replanting coral reefs, controlling overfishing through our purchasing policies, funding conservation research, planting seagrass, and protecting nesting turtles on our beaches. All water leaving our properties is treated to a safe standard and we recycle water to irrigate our plants, ensuring our aquatic ecosystems benefit from our operations.”
world of wildlife
“Wild animals don’t really want to be disturbed, which is why we try to leave their natural habitats alone and only intervene if we are convinced we’re helping and on the advice of experts. With a dedicated category of our sustainability fund going directly to wildlife projects, we have been able to improve the prospects for some critically endangered species.”
Global partnerships
“Our corporate value of ‘Global Sensitivity, Local Sensibility’ means addressing worldwide problems at a local level. We cannot achieve success without the collaborative efforts of our partners including the Manta Trust, Blue Marine Foundation, International Union for the Conservation of Nature, Olive Ridely Project (and so many more we are just sorry we can’t list them all). We take our hats off to their support and dedication in providing knowledge, expertise and the highest level of commitment to our mutual goals.”
Six Senses Resorts. They eliminate your other five senses. What a joke, look up the company website in Thailand and they state that the environment is their # 1 priority and that all resorts meld harmoniously with nature. The fact is that the mangrove wetlands and birding sanctuary in Grenada have been bulldozed and ruined. What a loss for the birding communities there and for nearby flyway islands like Tobago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. All traded for 500 low paying jobs and offshore greed…☯️
Six Senses Resorts. They eliminate your other five senses. What a joke, look up the company website in Thailand and they state that the environment is their # 1 priority and that all resorts meld harmoniously with nature. The fact is that the wetland and birding sanctuary in Grenada has been bulldozed and ruined. What a loss for the birding communities there and for nearby flyway islands like Tobago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. All traded for 500 low paying jobs and offshore greed…☯️