The 2009 Biodiversity and Heritage Conservation Act (BHCA) focuses on the identification, conservation, and protection of Anguilla’s natural and built heritage as well as ensuring that historical artefacts are protected and remain in Anguilla.
On 4 March 2021, the Government of Anguilla held a public consultation on amendments being proposed to the Act. Amendments included removing the invasive common green iguana from Schedule 1 of the Act – a Schedule which lists species of special concern and that warrant conservation measures, and adding the Anguilla Bank racer, Anguilla bank Skink (slipperyback), Little Scrub ground lizard, and Sombrero ground lizard to Schedule 1.
Listing species on Schedule 1 of the Act triggers a process for conservation actions to be identified, reviewed by stakeholders, and implemented by natural resources agencies in collaboration with stakeholders (including landowners).
Ensuring that Anguilla’s species and habitats are protected and conserved does not mean that the economy cannot or will not be developed. In fact, protecting and caring for our environment are necessary to support and ensure the development of the island: a thriving economy and society depend on a healthy environment and the biodiversity that makes up that environment.
Conservation actions triggered by the BHCA may be as simple as raising awareness, removing invasive species, encouraging people to grow endangered plants in their gardens, or re-planting vegetation in damaged habitats. At the same time, it may also mean enforcing existing legislation to stop unsustainable and illegal practices such as sand mining which destroys habitats for endangered species (including sea turtles). While the Act does allow for the designation of “critical” habitats on which endangered species occur, this cannot be implemented without the written consent of landowners and land cannot be taken from any landowner; it must be purchased and only with permission of and through negotiations with the landowner.
The BHC Act was passed almost 12 years ago. It has not stopped national development: hotels and villas continue to be constructed; houses continue to be built; and people continue to pursue their livelihoods. The Act promotes a balanced, sustainable approach to development and ensures that the natural environment is given due consideration within the decision-making process.
For more information about Anguilla’s biodiversity including our endangered species and the Biodiversity and Heritage Conservation Act, please contact the Anguilla National Trust at 497 5297 or the Department of Natural Resources at 497 0217.
– Press Release
