Dear Editor,

Jamaica is endowed with many natural wonders, some beautiful beaches, lovely rivers and falls, and a picturesque landscape. Lost in all this however, I feel, are (indigenous) animals. Rarely do we see advertisements covering our manatees or turtles; you will, however, be advised of the crocodiles and dolphins.

The lack of animal safety laws and animal promotion rubs me the wrong way. Not only because I like both flora and fauna, but more importantly because the nation’s bottom line is being affected.

The illegal trafficking of animals is a multi-billion-dollar industry and one that affects Jamaica. We have much wildlife that is indigenous to our island and which, on the international black market, fetch a pretty penny. Crocodiles, turtles and birds are perfect examples of animals that are routinely trafficked, spirited away as babies to fulfil the ego trip of some.

Apart from trafficking, we also have illegal hunting that has a detrimental effect on our birds, and mining in all sorts of protected land that will destroy the habits of animals forever. That, coupled with the overfishing, will destroy fish stocks-denying future generations the wildlife that we have become numb to and allow to be abused.

I say all this, however, not to be a tree-hugger or sound like a hippie. To put it plainly, there is a massive amount of money to be made from the environment through ecotourism.

Ecotourism is no longer a fad and is now a multi-billion-dollar industry and, as seen by Costa Rica, if done right, can be a real money-spinner.

If Jamaica is serious about tapping into all that tourism has to offer then ecotourism must be on the cards. With some of the most beautiful falls and forests in the Caribbean — albeit diminishing forests — we should be looking to exploit that market.

Ecotourism would also be a great job promoter, I believe. It would bring jobs to areas such as St Mary and Portland, where tourism is at a standstill, and to St Thomas where it is almost non-existent. These jobs would be as guides, caretakers, drivers, chefs and everything else that the tourism industry needs.

This can be done. The option is not the environment or the money — we can have our cake and eat it too in this case. This Administration states that it is thinking outside the box; it has talked a good game and it seems to be attempting to walk the walk. Hopefully, the tourism minister, who seems to be receptive to new ideas, looks into it. Jamaica’s environment and its coffers could do with the break.

Alexander Scott

alexanderwj.scott@gmail.com