Caribbean Environment: From Cuba’s Paradise to Haiti’s Nightmare, and Everything in Between
Saturday October 22: 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 noon
INTERCONTINENTAL MIAMI
100 CHOPIN PLAZA ? MIAMI, FL, 33131
Caribbean Environment: From Cuba’s “Paradise” to Haiti’s Nightmare
From deforestation and pollution, to overpopulation, loss of resources and lack of protection, many of the Caribbean nations face serious environmental problems now, and worse in the future. With 95 percent reef loss, Haiti lacks fish to feed its population. The largest fish found in those waters in recent years was six inches long. Reef Check has begun a project in Haiti to start a conservation area there, and is training people, which means they first need to learn how to swim. Cuba lives between an invasive species nightmare and a temporary botanical safe haven, but for how long? Puerto Rico’s overdevelopment threatens to pave the entire island. We’ll examine the present situation and any remediation efforts being undertaken in this area, so crucial for tourism and the fishing industry.
Moderator: Susan Soltero, Univision.Net (Puerto Rico)
Speakers:
David Guggenheim, the “Ocean Doctor;” Senior Fellow, The Ocean Foundation; and Director, Cuba Marine Research & Conservation Program
Gregor Hodgson, Founder and Executive Director, Reef Check
Nadine Patrice, Executive Director, Operation Green Leaves Inc.
Room: Sandringham