Conservation NPO opens shoreline community park
(CNS): Local conservation advocacy non-profit organisation Sustainable Cayman has opened the first of its own community shoreline parks in South Sound. It was officially opened on Tuesday evening when government officials joined members of the public and those who helped to create the space, plant the local flora and help rewild the area. The activists said the Pirate Cove Shoreline Park is a significant environmental restoration effort, blending local tradition with innovative conservation techniques to create a new coastal haven.
“We are thrilled to open Pirate Cove Shoreline Park, a testament to what we can achieve when community, government and conservationists work together,” said project spokesperson Melanie Carmichael. “This park is not just a space for recreation; it’s a beacon of our dedication to preserving our beautiful shoreline and fostering community wellness.”
The park’s design and construction involved numerous local experts and organisations. Landscape consultant Joanne Mercille of Caribbean Blooms played a crucial role in transforming the initial vision into reality, supported by the Department of Environment, the Public Lands Commission, and the Ministry of Sustainability and Climate Resiliency. The project also benefited from the generous support of the Pirate Cove Residents’ Association Ltd, which allowed the restoration of crucial beach access.
The project was funded through the Darwin Plus Local grants scheme, which supported both the shoreline mangrove initiative and the native plant installation, showcasing the UK government’s commitment to supporting local conservation efforts.
During the event, long-time youth ambassador Steff McDermott introduced a pilot project named Roots of Resilience, which is supported by Sustainable Cayman. This is a mangrove virtual reality experience that highlights innovative approaches to environmental education.
“Our ambassadors, like the mangrove seedlings we’ve nurtured, represent the future of conservation,” Carmichael said. “Their dedication is crucial as we continue to advance our goals of enhancing shoreline resiliency and employing nature-based solutions.”
Pirate Cove Shoreline Park, which is now open to the public, offers a sustainable space that protects the coast. The public is encouraged to get involved by visiting, joining the park’s Facebook group and posting photos of their visits.
Anyone wishing to support Sustainable Cayman’s 2025 Ambassador’s programme with a donation can do so by making a local deposit to:
First Caribbean Bank CI$ #10486277 or US$ #10486278,Or by sending cheques, payable to ‘Sustainable Cayman’, to the NPO’s registered office at:
P.O. Box 1110
Grand Cayman KY1-1102
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Category: Community, Land Habitat, Local News, Science & Nature
Greenwashing
Far too little too late
Dart’s removed more than we can imagine.
Hopeless
Your second line is enabled by your thoughts on the first and third lines. Pull your head out of what little sand remains and fight with the rest of us. These education efforts and especially these recent actions taken by nonprofits are going to make a difference.
Good for them. That piece of scrubland definitely looking better.
If it was truly a conservative effort, they would have donated it to the National Trust.
*conservation
It’s a restoration project. Know the difference.
Restoring what exactly? Nothing that is there now was previously there. Learn English.
Shore erosion prevention!
Don’t cry about what is lost, prevent the damage in the first place.
So not restoration then. Understood.
Hmm, seems like you one of those people who come here and bring your ideas and try to tell us that we doing it wrong.
Where in South Sound is it located? I’d like to enjoy it with my family.
CNS Note: It’s across from Vienna Circle in South Sound
You won’t.
“which allowed the restoration of crucial beach access.”
What a crock of shit. Nobody has ever been denied beach access there.
Well yah know, government just love those land swap deals
Yes they have, on many occasions, Mr. Propaganda Potty-mouth.
No, they haven’t, Mrs. Prude.
You are using the word “park” wrong!
A great environmental and civic initiative by Sustainable Cayman/Pirates Cove. Thank you👏👏.
Users, please keep it clean!
Kenny building a special park for the users, don’t fret.
Whats the location Please
No EIA required? Shocking.
It was all marl on private land to begin with.