Bio-diversity

The rapid and pervasive spread of the invasive Hawaiian seagrape plant in Abaco and throughout The Bahamas has reduced biodiversity and is creating a monoculture in some areas to the detriment of local fauna, and stability of coastal and inland ecosystems. The dune systems of Abaco are critical to protecting homes from storms. A monoculture of Hawaiian seagrape means those dunes are more vulnerable than if they were covered in the diverse grouping of native plants that one finds on dunes free of human interaction. The main cause of the successful spread of this plant is lack of education. People are continuing to plant it, unaware of the damages it causes and the difficulty in confining it to the original planting area. Local area plant nurseries have said they would continue to sell Hawaiian seagrape while demand continues. To address this problem FRIENDS proposes to create a program with several elements: Creation and distribution of educational materials about Hawaiian seagrape and its removal that will be made available in the Abaco community and on line to help stop the spread of the plant and reduce the demand for the invasive plants. Community Presentations in three towns in Abaco, Elbow Cay, Treasure Cay and Dundas Town, followed by demonstration projects in each community that include the removal of Hawaiian sea grape and replacing them with native plants. An incentive program for homeowners and businesses who remove Hawaiian sea grape. Those who can show photos of removals on their property will receive four free native plants to replace the invasives and a sign for their yard. School based educational program with 5 Abaco schools. Students will visit FRIENDS Education Center, hear an educational presentation on native and invasive plants, take a walk with activities on the FRIENDS nature trail and participate in a native plant nursery program. The resulting native plants will be used in the community based demonstration projects.

Bahamas