For some time now, TIDE has been quietly monitoring erosion and the increasing amounts of trash deposited by the wind, tide and waves, on Snake Caye’s beach and interior. Last month, we conducted clean-up activities that reduced the amount of trash on the island and improved the appearance of the once pristine, white sandy beaches. It is not an easy undertaking as events and practices beyond TIDE’s control, constantly undermine trash wash up, on the little island. No sooner do we reduce the amount of garbage, that more is deposited. It seems as if though there is an endless supply of garbage floating in our Port Honduras Marine Reserve, that winds up washing ashore in various areas. One such area that seems particularly vulnerable is Toledo’s scenic Snake Caye.
Like all the visitors to the little island, TIDE is horrified by the unsightly waste, and we realize that we need lots of help to address this environmental eye-sore. Our summer camp themed ‘beat plastic pollution’ was only one of the ways we attempted to mitigate the damage. Through fun, educational activities, we taught Toledo’s upcoming generation about the issues created by improper waste and garbage disposal practices, with a particular focus on harmful ‘plastics’. Our campers learned some ways to smartly reuse and recycle plastics and about the harm plastics cause on land and to marine biodiversity. All campers, facilitators and TIDE’s Environmental Education Manager/along with staff, engaged in large scale clean-up of select areas of Punta Gorda’s coastline, in addition to collecting floating plastics/foams. The culminating activity involved gathering and bagging trash deposits on Snake Caye.
Recently, a concerned citizen, Mr. Neville Smith (a local tour guide) took a small group of adults and children on a little adventure. The group visited TIDE’s Port Honduras Ranger Station to learn a little bit more about their very own marine reserve. They then continued their boating trip by traveling to Snake Caye, where they voluntarily gathered and bagged some garbage, before engaging in snorkeling and swimming in the clear, surrounding waters. TIDE applauds Mr. Smith for his efforts and thanks him for being a part of the solution. It is so easy to be critical, but we would accomplish way more if we were able to come together as a community and help to positively address harmful traditions and practices in our beautiful Toledo. While TIDE manages three protected areas within Toledo, we would like to gently remind our communities and residents that we all, collectively enjoy, access and use our natural resources/ecosystems, therefore we play a key role in ensuring that they are in a healthy state.
