DEC 2020 | VOL 1 ISSUE 1
THE RANGER REVIEW OUR STORY In this newsletter: Our Story Pages 1-3
Learning about Cayman's Mangroves Page 4
Community Projects Pages 5 & 6
Stakeholder Interviews
The Cayman Islands Mangroves Rangers are a small but growing group of volunteers which is working to protect and preserve ‘the heart of Cayman’ – the mangroves that provide the islands storm protection, habitat for native species, weather regulation and carbon sequestration. Mangrove forests are one of the most valuable coastal ecosystems on the planet offering many natural services that protect humanity’s best interests. However, these ecosystems are depleting rapidly, thus contributing to ecological degradation due to climate change and over development. Since 1970, We have lost 3,900 acres (1,600 hectares) of pristine mangrove forests in the western areas of Grand Cayman. With only 1,500 acres (600 hectares) of mangroves left (38%) in this area, we have decided enough is enough... [Continued on Page 2]
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The Ranger Review | page 1
Dec 2020 | Vol 1 Issue 1
Our Story (continued) ...and so we fight to protect this important ecosystem. In addition, the 8,500 acre (3,450 hectares) Central Mangrove Wetlands - the largest contiguous mangrove forest in the Caribbean - is under serious threat of development. The Rangers are the brainchild of Chris Lujten founder of Cayman Mangrove Conservation (CMC), who also helps fund the Rangers. CMC is now part of the Mangrove Education Project, the NGO flagship of the Rangers. Conservation requires an array of skills hence why our Rangers come from diverse backgrounds from marketing, law, hospitality to videography, and education. All of our Rangers are knowledgeable on the scientific functions of mangrove ecosystems in addition to their specialty. We value teamwork and the elevation of individual aspirations. We aim to develop each other’s weaknesses and utilize each other’s strengths as we protect this valuable natural resource. We aim to educate and enable students, teachers, parents, and their communities in the understanding and monitoring of the wonderful world of mangroves in the Cayman Islands. We achieve this through, observation, outreach, data collection and advocacy. We continue to establish a conservation ethos to protect and enhance mangrove ecosystems.
The Rangers exploring a mangrove island in North Sound up close and personal The T h eOddball Ran g eE-News r R eReview v i e|wpage | | ppage a02 g e 12 The Ranger
Dec 2020 | Vol 1 Issue 1
Ranger Daniella Christian, Dinara Perera and Ashli Weclome learning to carry out water quality testing by checking pH levels.
Chris Lujten, founder of Cayman Mangrove Conservation (CMC) and key sponsor of the Rangers. CMC is merging its operations with the Mangrove Education Project. The Ranger Review | page 3
Dec 2020 | Vol 1 Issue 1
Learning about Cayman's Mangroves During the months of August and September, the Mangrove Rangers began a mangrove learning curve through a series of in-depth workshops conducted by several experts in every area from mangrove ecosystems to the new Mangrove Species Conservation Law which was passed in April 2020. Catherine Child, Education Director of the CI National Trust gave an excellent overview of the islands’ mangrove ecosystem; from the Department of Environment Fred Burton, manager of the Terrestrial Resources Unit. Wendy Williams, manager of the Environmental Management Unit gave an outline of the new Mangrove Species Protection Law; Mike Nelson of Sea Elements led a marine field trip; Martin Keeley of the Cayman-based Mangrove Education Project presented a world view; and former executive ranger, CIS science educator Bill Lamont led a water quality testing lab and Steff McDermott reviewed the Epicollect data collection system and outlined other Mangrove Ranger upcoming projects.
Mike Nelson demonstrates macro-organisms found near mangroves as part of the Ranger field trip.
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Dec 2020 | Vol 1 Issue 1
Rangers take on Community-based projects From schools to the local community and the region The Mangrove Rangers moved into full action this fall with a variety of programs this fall. In addition to a video series for teachers entitled ‘Creature Features’ focusing on the inhabitants and dependents of Grand Cayman’s threatened Central Mangrove ecosystem, the Rangers implemented several projects. Central to these was the problem of illegal cement dumping which has been a perennial problem in Grand Cayman. Caught in the act, National Concrete cleaned up the dump and is being prosecuted under the Litter Law. Following this violation, the Rangers have begun a survey of similar mangrove concrete dumps around the island and will post details of these online. Education programs also included a mangrove field trip for 60 Year 2 school kids from Cayman International School to mangroves close by the school. The field visit was followed by science class presentations to Year 10 and 11 students by Mangrove Action Project’s education director Martin Keeley. Also this fall a Ranger-led eco-tour of the Central Mangroves included members of the ‘Protect Our Future’ students, teachers and local media. Similar school and public education programs are planned for the rest of the school year. In December Ranger Dinara took part in the first ever regional Ocean Heroes bootcamp, where she lead Ocean Heroes as a Squad Leader. She gave a presentation about the role of mangroves in the Coastal Lagoon Ecosystem and how you can help to protect mangroves from development through data and public awareness.
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Dec 2020 | Vol 1 Issue 1
Rangers Dinara and Sheno Dixon adding data to Epicollect of illegal landfill at Prospect, Grand Cayman.
Watch our Creature Feature on Sea Squirts by clicking the picture above!
Rangers Dinara, Chaiz and Javahn visit an illegal cement dumping site in Red Bay. Click the picture above to learn more about the site! The Ranger Review | page 6
Dec 2020 | Vol 1 Issue 1
Stakeholder Interviews Make sure to stay tuned for our stakeholder interview series that is coming out over the next few weeks on our Facebook and Youtube pages. Watch below for our second interview with Mr. John Bothwell from the Cayman Islands Department of Environment.
"The best thing people can do to protect our remaining mangrove forests - to protect whatever it is they want to protect - is to speak up about it."
Have any questions or tips you'd like to share with the Mangrove Rangers? Contact us at info@mangroverangers.ky
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Dec 2020 | Vol 1 Issue 1
RANGERS IN THE NEWS!
"Mangrove Rangers advocate for the 'heart of Cayman' ". Click the picture to watch the video!'
Follow us! @mangroverangersky @MangroveRanger @mangroverangersky The Cayman Islands Mangrove Rangers https://www.mangroverangers.ky/
Special Thanks to the Mangrove Action Project and Mangrove Education Project
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