Antigua and Barbuda

The main environmental problems facing Antigua and Barbuda are hurricanes and tropical storms from July through October, and irregular droughts. In terms of carbon dioxide per capita, Antigua and Barbuda ranks 78th in the world, with 4.8 metric tons of carbon dioxide per capita in 1990. In recent years, there has been a steady bleaching of coral reefs near Antigua, with the rising temperature of the waters also affecting the diversity of fish in the coral reefs. It is also expected that with the rising sea level, parts of Antigua and Barbuda that are low-lying could be flooded.

The Convention on Biological Diversity

The Convention on Biological Diversity was inspired by the world community's growing commitment to sustainable development. It represents a dramatic step forward in the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.

The following discusses Antigua and Barbuda's plans for biodiversity nationwide:

Biological diversity provides the gene pool necessary for the preservation of life and ecosystems, affords enhancement of agricultural output and development of pharmaceuticals, and provides recreational opportunities for the growing eco-tourism travel and leisure industry. Antigua and Barbuda is committed to the development of the appropriate measures for the management of biological resources to ensure their conservation, research and documentation, sustainable use, and restoration of ecosystems. As such, Antigua and Barbuda has adopted the following to ensure the 2010 target: 1) Review and implement the National Biodiversity Strategy; 2) Establish mechanisms for the design and implementation of national biological diversity conservation plans; 3) Develop a system of biodiversity protected areas; 4) Catalog and document endangered species; 5) Develop innovative financing mechanisms for biodiversity; 6) Enhance legal and regulatory frameworks; 7) Establish and enforce regulations such as closed seasons for exploiting species under stress; 8) Establish mechanisms to enable compliance with the biological Diversity Convention; and 9) Develop and implement management programs with respect to introduced species.

Source: Convention on Biodiversity