Bio-diversity

The communities of Mile Gully, George Town, Warwick Castle and Athlone are located in the hilly terrain of St. Mary. The four communities collectively boast a total population of approximately 800 persons in 226 household. The community is represented by a legally registered community based organization called Mile Gully/Warwick Castle Development Benevolent Society. The communities are confronted with many problems that retard development. However, the major problems affecting the community are a lack of adequate tap water, unemployment and poor sanitation. These issues are at the root of the problems that now exist. That is, the pollution of the natural water sources and the general environment. Due to the unavailability of potable water residents are forced to utilize the water sources (Rio Sambre River, Chapel and Sliver Spring) accessible to them in an effort to sustain their livelihood. However, the inappropriate uses of these natural water sources have resulted in their contamination. The negative practices of the residents that are readily identified as the main causes of the pollution of the water sources include the improper disposal of solid waste, the poisoning of the river through the use of chemicals, washing of vehicles and clothes at the river and springs, bathing near the source of the springs and the faeces of animals and humans in/at/beside the springs. The extent of the environmental pollution that presently exists is a manifestation of over 10 years of negative human activities on the part of residents in utilizing the natural resources for survival and economic livelihood. This kind of water pollution is generally referred to as nonpoint source pollutants. Meaning that pollution is delivered indirectly through transport or environmental change. The problem of improper disposal of solid waste is specific to the disposal of household garbage. Plastics containers (soda bottles, bleach bottles, baby diapers, car batteries, soap powder bags and scandal bags etc.) are disposed of in the Rio Sambre River after there contents have been used. This kind of practice occurs due to several reasons. On one hand the residents carry out their laundry chores at or near the river. After completing the washing of clothes the plastics bags, soap powder bags and bottles (soda and bleach ect.) are all disposed of in the river along with unwanted old clothes. Another reason has to do with the absence of a central garbage disposal storage area and as a result residents dispose of their household garbage wherever they please. Another way in which the environment is polluted is through the burning of household waste and clearing of land to make way for farming. This method of controlling solid waste and clearing farm land for farming is damaging to the environment because it destroys the natural vegetation and on a few occasion the fires get out of control creating even greater damage to wild life, human life and property (houses, farm and wild animals). It is reported that burning affects the health of residents because it irritates sinus and aggravates more severe asthma attacks. The main goal of the project is to enable the Mile Gully/Warwick Castle Development Benevolent Society to implement identified strategies centred around behaviour change that will protect the natural environment through pollution prevention (land, air and water). Thereby ensuring a healthy environment and better quality of life for residents and future generations. The expected outcome of the project is the reduction of pollutants in the environment through a massive education programme supported by partnerships forge with relevant external agencies. This will be achieved through behaviour change intervention that will encourage and promote safer ways of utilizing the natural environment without causing irreversible damage to it. The implementation of the project will result in: (1) Heightened level of sensitivity, awareness, through education as to safe and environmental friendly ways of utilizing natural resources (rivers, springs, and farmlands). (2) An empowered community based organization equipped with the relevant knowledge to identify and enforce local environmental protection strategies. (3) To train at least 12 environmental monitors to monitor and sensitize community members on the dangerous impact improper waste disposal practices and use of chemicals have on the environment. (4) To raise the level of community members sensitivity and awareness as to the negative impact/consequences of their activities on the natural environment through an environmental education campaign. This campaign will seek to promote positive behaviour change geared towards safe and proper disposal solid waste practices and the implementation of a community designed environmental protection plan to ensure the sustainability of the environment. (5) A reliable and efficient system of garbage disposal and collection system at the household and community level. This will include household composting, provision of a community facility for garbage storage and partnering with NSWA to ensure that a reliable collection system implemented. (6) To reduce improper solid waste disposal practices and poisoning of the Rio Sambre River through education and monitoring mechanism implemented by the community and environmental monitors. (7) To enclose the water source (Sliver Spring) to protect it from unauthorised entry by persons and to keep out animals.

Jamaica