Map of Anguilla (click to view full-size)
Background information
Anguilla lies mid-way along the outer (eastern) Caribbean island chain, being the most northern of the Leeward Isles. The closest neighbouring island is St Martin (?). The island consists mainly of limestone and marls, which have developed on old volcanic rocks. The coastline is mainly sandy bays along the south of the country, with cliffs along the north. Important coral reef resources occur round the island, with the most outstanding being a 17km-long reef along the SE coast, suggested to be one of the most important (mainly) unbroken reefs in the eastern Caribbean (Putney, 1982).
Legislation regarding Impact Assessment
International
Anguilla is included within the UK under these agreements:
and has agreed to abide by the following:
- The UK Overseas Territories Environmental Charter
- The St George's Declaration of principles for Environmental Stability
The UKOTs Environmental Charter
The UK Government and Anguilla signed an Environmental Charter and Environmental Charter Commitments between the two countries in September 2001. The Charter makes a clear call for the adoption of effective and appropriate impact assessment, the wise and sustainable use of resources, and open consultation with interested parties during decision-making (Refs to points 6, 3; 2; and 4 in the EC). The Commitments oblige the respective governments to improve legislation and Anguilla's adoption of multilateral agreements signed by the UK, where appropriate and achievable, and to ensure the inclusion of environmental considerations through the social and economic planning processes, and in development decision-making. The importance of adequate baseline biodiversity information is also highlighted in point 7 of Anguilla's commitments: to [r]eview the range, quality and availability of baseline data for natural resources and biodiversity
St George's Declaration of Principles for Environmental Stability
National legislation
Specific legislation requiring EIA has been implemented in Anguilla under the terms of the Physical Planning Act of 2001. Conservation and protection of natural resources is covered under the following:
- Marine Parks Ordinance of 1982
- Access to Beaches Ordinance No. 2 of 1981
- The Beach Protection Ordinance No.1 of 1988
- The Wild Birds Protection Ordinance of 1913
- The Fisheries Protection Ordinance No. 4 of 1988
In addition, the island has produced a National Environmental Management Strategy (NEMS)
Further information about this legislation can be found through the legislation pages; a brief summary is posted below.
The Physical Planning Act (2001)
The full text of this Act can be found at the Government of Anguilla's website.
National Environmental Management Strategy (NEMS)
The Anguilla National Environmental Management Strategy (NEMS), published in October 2001 sets out the vision for the country in the coming years. The goal of achieving an holistic and participatory system of sustainable environmental management ... established to improve the quality of life in Anguilla
includes, in objective two: environmental considerations included into national planning and development.
As an indicator of this requirement, EIAs are expected to be used by the Planning Department on a regular basis by October 2002. Within this requirement, is the target to [t]ake steps to ensure the sustainable use of natural resources that recognizes the intricate linkages between ecological systems, and between these systems and human activity
.
In addition to these points, objectives 4 and 5 of the NEMS seek, respectively, A comprehensive environmental law is drafted, and approved by the Executive Council by December 2003
, and A policy for, and system of, aquatic and terrestrial protected areas for biodiversity conservation developed
(NEMS).
The Anguilla NEMS complements the Overseas Territories Environmental Charter, which was drawn up and signed by the UK and all of the UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs).
Key development areas and issues
The main thrust of economic development in Anguilla is that of tourism development. [Include some stats here]
The NEMS raises the issue that although tourism is one of the main natural resource users, with many environmental impacts, environmental policies and standards have not yet been integrated into tourism policy and practice. Particular concerns raised in this document are: carrying capacity issues, waste disposal including the question of holding tanks for yachts, the certification of hotels and beaches and the control of beach activity, as well as a more dynamic promotion and development of heritage and cultural tourism.
In addition to this, the NEMS raises the point that there is little real and meaningful consultation
between the various environmental management bodies in Anguilla. This means that different groups may be unaware of the activities of others, and that impacts of any activities are neither assessed nor evaluated in relation to the interests and activities of the other groups. Collection and dissemination of information is also badly affected by this lack of communication.
Public consultation appears to be limited at best.
Development planning problems - inequity and ineffectiveness
Biodiversity interest
The Anguilla Marine Resources Inventory Project surveyed and mapped the entire coast and sublittoral zones of the Anguilla group, including the reefs. (Blair Myers et al. 1995; Sheppard et al. 1995). Land-based coastal habitats of some importance occur, primarily mangroves and saline pools, the latter being particularly important for both resident and migratory waterfowl (Scott & Carbonnell 1986). Christian in litt. 1998 describes the main ponds, their bird populations and associated plant species, as well as other historical and ecological notes.
Much of the terrestrial vegetation is degraded evergreen woodland, with some areas of scrub and open grassland. Five areas were designated conservation areas in the 1996 National Land-Use Plan: the southwest and northeast peninsulae, two sites mid-way along the northwest coast, and Prickly Pear Cays. The beaches of the latter site provide important nest habitat for the critically-endangered Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). The majority of the least degraded habitat occurs along the northern coast, particularly the scrub forest between Little Bay and Shoal Bay, where the vulnerable Lesser Antillean Iguana (Iguana delicatissima) occurs. Much of the degradation to vegetation comes through uncontrolled grazing by goats. Of the approximately 500 species of plant recorded for Anguilla, 321 are considered indigenous, though only one (Rondeletia anguillensis) is thought to be endemic.
Significant breeding seabird colonies are reported to occur offshore (Pritchard 1990), primarily Sooty Tern (Onychoprion fuscatus), Brown and Blue-footed Booby (Sula leucogaster and S. dactylatra), and Common Noddy (Anous stolidus)
Twelve species of terrestrial reptile occur, including two lizards endemic to the islands (Ameiva corvina and Ameiva corax), with another six reptile species endemic to either the Anguilla bank or the Lesser Antilles. Four marine turtles occur, all of which are red-listed, three of which are known to breed at least occasionally. The only native terrestrial mammals on the islands are bats, five of which occur. Several species of marine mammal have also been reported, including the vulnerable West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus).
Anguilla has 38 Red-listed species occurring in and around the country. A summary is shown in the table below, and further information can be found through the important species page.
| Group | subgroup | CR | EN | VU | NT | DD | LR/nt | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fish | Sharks & Rays | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 25 |
| Bony | 1 | 1 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 0 | ||
| Reptile | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | |
| Bird | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | |
| Mammal | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | |
| Plant | Tree | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Total | 2 | 5 | 13 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 38 |
Red list criteria | Anguilla's red list species
Key problem species are cats, dogs, goats & rats, affecting native fauna and flora through predation and competition for food (Varnham 2006).
Protected Areas
Anguilla has a number of protected areas, grouped into seven categories, as described here. Most of these areas do not coincide with the IUCN general categories of protected areas.
The majority of the proteted areas in Anguilla are Marine Parks, designated under the Marine Parks Ordinance of 1982, although the majority of the Parks were only designated in 1993. Little has apparently been done to develop the system of protected areas since then (Christian, in litt, 1998).
Five Ramsar sites are proposed for the islands, as follows: Anguilla mainland wetlands; Dog Island and Middle Cay; Prickly Pear Cays; Scrub and Little Scrub Islands; and Sombrero Island. These five (as yet unconfirmed) sites cover a minimum of 3,743ha. Further information on the protected areas in Anguilla.