Ins & Outs of SVG 2020

32 The SVG Hope Spot “ I wish youwoulduse all means at your disposal —films, theweb, expeditions, new submarines, a campaign! — to ignite public support for a network of global marine protected areas, hope spots large enough to save and restore the ocean, the blue heart of the planet.” Most marine conservation efforts are either falling short or have already failed entirely. There are several reasons for this, however, all too often it is because conservationists make the mistake of putting the needs of our ecosystems above those of the coastal communities that depend on them for their livelihoods, inevitably resulting in an impasse. What we need is a grassroots movement to ignite support among ordinary Vincentians to take responsibility and overcome this dilemma so we can safeguard our marine environment and its resources before we lose them. We all know that St. Vincent & the Grenadines was originally named Hairouna by our ancestors and it means ‘Land of the Blessed’. And indeed our 32 islands and cays are truly blessed, especially with marine flora and fauna. From whales, dolphins, rays, and sharks, to marine turtles, mangroves, seagrass, coral reefs and a spectacular variety of fish, our home supports a unique abundance of biodiversity not common in the rest of the Caribbean Sea. However, many of us, unfortunately, take this blessing for granted and do not yet appreciate that our island-country is one of the last few on earth 32  SALVAGE BLUE INS& UTS – Dr. Sylvia Earle’s 2009 TED Prize wish that launched Mission Blue. Photo: Adam Gravel Photo: Victoria Woodward By Adam Gravel