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By Mark Parrish
The Turks and Caicos Islands are hidden jewels at the bottom of the Bahamian chain. Only recently have these islands started to experience an increase in tourism and the impact of development and demand on the natural resources. Yet the islands are still beautiful, the seas are still clean, and the reefs are still the corner stone of life. It is paramount to hold the current status quo, to protect and manage the islands, to prevent a slide towards another spoiled paradise, another barren reef, and another polluted sea.
Enjoy the Turks and Caicos Islands today and enjoy the Turks and Caicos Islands tomorrow. We are working towards a sustainable tourist economy coupled with a balanced and healthy ecosystem. Individuals, the government, the Turks and Caicos National Trust and companies like Big Blue Unlimited (www.bigblue.tc) and Amphibious Adventures (www.amphibious.tc) are all working towards this goal. Your support is vital. The Islands welcome visitors and want to share their beauty and tranquility, but it is essential that you, the traveler, are discerning in your choices.
“Exploration, all too often, is followed closely by exploitation. To visit, to learn, to experience, and to pass that knowledge on is the joy of the traveler rather than the tourist. We welcome the opportunity to share what we know with those who have a genuine interest, and there is much to share”. Rob Palmer, ‘Into Blue Holes’ 1996
Environmental Etiquette
An important motto to remember when travelling anywhere is, “take only pictures and leave only footprints”.
It is illegal to take anything from the National Parks, Nature Reserves and Sanctuaries. This includes sand, shells, corals, plants, or any other creature, dead or alive. They are all part of the ecosystem and contribute to the growth and structure of the islands. This should be the common practise anywhere in the Turks and Caicos Islands, not just in these specified areas.
Whatever you bring with you-batteries, shampoos bottles, or sunscreens-please take them away when you leave. The islands do not have proper garbage disposal facilities.
Reef Etiquette
Reef etiquette is another fundamental consideration. The coral reefs are paramount to the health and sustainability of the Turks and Caicos Islands. There are patch reefs, fringing reefs, and deep reefs. All support a myriad of life, and contribute to the growth and protection of the islands. They are the life-blood of the Islands and must be treated with the utmost respect:
Never touch the coral as it is a living organism and you will harm it.
Practise your buoyancy and controlled use of fins, swimming only as close to the reef as you are capable.
Stay flat on the surface when snorkelling so that your fining action does not stir up the bottom. The sediment smothers the reef and is the number one killer of coral.
Don’t harass or feed the animals as they are part of a balanced ecosystem.
Rub suntan lotion in well and allow time for it to soak into the skin before swimming. Suntan lotion contributes to the chemical degradation of coral reefs.
Final Message
Please enjoy the Turks and Caicos Islands. You are a welcome visitor and not expected to move around on tiptoes. Make some noise, have some fun, and meet some great people. But remember to use your common sense regarding the environment so that the islands stay healthy and clean, and everyone can enjoy them again and again. Remember it is our world and it is a fragile one.
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