Column: Addressing Environment Issues & More
[Opinion column written by Malachi Symonds & Noelle Young]
As professionals deeply committed to advancing sustainable practices, we are united in our concern for the escalating environmental challenges in Bermuda. Our expertise, although stemming from different fields, converges on a common goal: to foster a culture of sustainability and resilience.
Historically, Bermuda has grappled with numerous wildlife management issues, from controlling populations of feral dogs and cats to dealing with over 80,000 chickens and an infestation of rats. Today, the island is facing a new set of challenges that include the increasing presence of imported rabbits and guinea pigs. Beyond these burgeoning animal populations, there lies a more profound issue: a disconnect between our lifestyles and the impact of our choices on the environment.
Many Bermudians are detached from the origins of their pets and their food, consuming meats and seafood without considering the implications. This reluctance to confront reality has significant consequences not only for personal ethics but also for our environmental and economic impact. Our indiscriminate use of poisons to control pests has triggered a domino effect, contaminating the broader ecosystem and contributing to the decline of majestic native species, such as the once-common owls. We fondly recall moments from our childhood when we would gaze at these majestic owls perched in the trees while sitting on our grandparents’ porches or exploring in the Pembroke marsh.
Restoring Bermuda’s environment to a self-sustaining state where natural food chains can regulate these invasive animal populations is critical. We need innovative, effective solutions that remove pests without harming other wildlife and allow biological controls to flourish.
As an agricultural engineer and an aquaculture and fisheries consultant, we see daily the need for immediate and unified action to address these sustainability issues. The resilience often celebrated in Bermuda must evolve beyond enduring these challenges to actively preventing them, shifting our focus from merely surviving to thriving.
Our relationship with international bodies, as a British Overseas Territory, often complicates our local governance, particularly in environmental stewardship. This highlights the need for local voices to be heard.
Moreover, the introduction of non-native species such as the Red-eared Slider turtles has disrupted our local ecosystems. Our endemic species, such as the endangered Bermuda killifish and the near-threatened Diamondback terrapin, are losing ground to these invaders. It’s alarming to consider how few Bermudians have seen these species or understand the crucial roles they play in our biodiversity and human health.
Together, we invite like-minded individuals, investors, and the community to join us in paving the way for a more harmonious Bermuda. It’s our collective responsibility to restore balance to our environment and secure a sustainable future for all. We are advocating for change within our lifetime for the benefit of future generations. If you share our passion for making a positive impact socially and environmentally, we encourage you to reach out and help us champion these causes.
For those interested in supporting our efforts, please connect with us to explore potential collaborations and business ventures that align with our vision for a sustainable Bermuda. Let us work together to ensure that the unique biodiversity of our island is preserved for generations to come.
Malachi Symonds: 14414005922 or just@farmer.bm
Together, let’s champion sustainable solutions and protect the unique natural heritage of Bermuda for future generations.
- Malachi Symonds, Agriculture Engineer & Owner of Just a Farmer & Noelle Young, Sustainability Solutionist & Aquaculture Consultant
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Category: All, Environment, News
