Editor’s NotE:
our GrEEN (aNd BluE) CariBBEaN
Family,
There’s something powerful happening across our islands. From the fishing villages of Barbados to the hillside farms of Trinidad, ordinary Caribbean people are reconnecting with our traditional wisdom while creating bold new solutions for living sustainably.
This issue of ADVO isn’t just about “going green” – it’s about reclaiming environmental practices that have always been part of our heritage. Our grandparents knew how to catch rainwater, grow food without chemicals, and reuse everything until it couldn’t possibly serve another purpose. That wasn’t called “sustainability” back then. It was just life.
We’re also excited to share groundbreaking coverage on debt-for-climate swaps – innovative financial mechanisms that could help our Caribbean nations reduce debt burdens while investing in critical environmental protection. These arrangements represent a new pathway for climate resilience that acknowledges both our economic realities and environmental vulnerabilities.
Don’t miss our feature on coral reef conservation in the region, where we spotlight the vital research of ‘Trinbagonian’ Dr. Anjani Ganase. Her work illuminates both the challenges facing our marine ecosystems and the hope that dedicated Caribbean scientists bring to protecting our underwater treasures.
Sandra & Samantha
The solutions to our environmental challenges won’t come from elsewhere – they’ll emerge from Caribbean ingenuity, our deep connection to this land, and our remarkable ability to make much from little. When the world talks about climate resilience, they should be looking to us.
We’re not perfect, and the path forward isn’t always clear. But as we say in the region: “One-one cocoa full basket.” Each small step matters. Let us take those steps together.
Background Image
Credit: Anjani Ganase
Cover Image: Attish Kanhai
Graphic & Layout: EZ mediaworks
Blessings,
Sam & San
Snorkelling Rocky Point, Mt Irvine.
Debt-For-Climate Swap S :
a Smarter way to taCkle Debt anD the Climate CriSiS
Many developing countries are being stretched thin. On one hand, they urgently need to invest in climate resilience. On the other hand, they are juggling rising debt and tight budgets. A recent report from the Independent High-Level Expert Group on Climate Finance estimates that emerging markets and developing countries (excluding China) need around $2.3 to $2.5 trillion each year by 2030 to fund meaningful climate action (Bhattacharya , Songwe , Soubeyran , & Stern , 2024).
By
Keisha Blades Economist
At the same time, these countries are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. In the Caribbean, one hurricane can wipe out years of progress and leave governments scrambling for recovery funds. For example, Hurricane Beryl, which struck on July 01, 2024, devastated approximately 98 percent of the housing stock on the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique in just a few hours (New York Times, 2024). With limited buffers and access to affordable financing, borrowing becomes the only option, deepening already heavy debt loads.
This is where debt-for-climate swaps come into the conversation.
a win-win in theory
In simple terms, these swaps allow a portion of a country’s debt to be forgiven or restructured in exchange for investments in climate-related projects. Instead of sending money back to creditors, governments can channel those funds into things like clean energy, forest protection, or climate-resilient infrastructure (Green Climate Fund, 2024).
This is not a brand-new idea. These kinds of deals first popped up in the 1980s to support environmental conservation, but they have been evolving as the global climate and debt situations become more urgent.
Some countries are already showing how it can work. Barbados used this approach to finance upgrades to water and sewage systems, which is critical for climate resilience (EIB, 2024). Indonesia used
similar swaps to invest in hydrogen energy and protect large areas of rainforest in Borneo (Marusiak, 2011). In both cases, the debt relief made space for important long-term investments that benefit both people and the environment.
why it matterS right now
Global debt is climbing fast. According to the IMF, it’s expected to exceed $100 trillion this year, nearly 93 percent of global GDP, and it is on track to reach 100 percent by 2030 (IMF, 2024). Developing countries are especially vulnerable. The impacts of COVID-19, rising interest rates, geo-political conflicts and the growing costs of climate adaptation have left many struggling to stay afloat.
Debt-for-climate swaps offer some breathing room. They free up resources that can go toward climate action without pushing countries deeper into debt. And beyond the finances, these projects can help countries build cleaner, stronger, and more resilient futures.
real impaCt on the grounD
What I find encouraging is that these swaps aren’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet, they are driving real results. In Indonesia, for example, reforestation programs supported through debt swaps are not only helping the environment, but also involving local communities in conservation efforts. These kinds of initiatives strengthen environmental governance, create jobs, and support sustainable livelihoods.
They also send a signal: it’s possible to design solutions that work for both the economy and the environment.
but let’S be real
As promising as this all sounds, debtfor-climate swaps are not a
magic fix. One of the main criticisms is that the debt relief offered is often small in the grand scheme of what countries owe. So, while helpful, it is rarely game-changing.
Then there’s the issue of transparency. These deals require strong systems to monitor where the money goes and how it’s used and not every country has the tools to do that effectively. Some also worry about donors pushing their own climate agendas, instead of supporting what local communities actually need. And without buy-in from a broader group of creditors, these swaps risk being one-off deals rather than part of a bigger, coordinated solution.
Still worth purSuing
Even with those challenges, I believe this approach holds real potential. If done right, fairly, transparently, and with countries leading the way, debtfor-climate swaps can be more than a temporary fix. They can be part of a broader strategy to support both debt sustainability and climate resilience.
At a time when we need bold, practical solutions, this is one worth paying attention to. Could this be the start of a smarter way to manage debt and protect our planet at the same time?
73%
That is the ambitious goal outlined in Barbados’ National Action Plan to End Plastic Pollution to pave a way for a more resilient and healthy future.
In 2021, the level of plastic waste generated in Barbados was estimated to be 14,682 tonnes or around 15 cargo ships worth of plastic waste.
This is not sustainable!
Most of the plastic waste generated enters the land fill. There, it takes up space and limits the useful life of the landfill. Once the landfill is full, where will we dispose of wastes from our homes, schools, and businesses?
Sadly, limited landfill space is not the only problem. Not all of the plastic waste enters our landfill. With practices such as littering and illegal dumping still rampant in our society, plastics enter the environment where they can have negative impacts on human health and the environment. Fish, birds, and turtles can become trapped by or swallow pieces of plastic leading to drowning or starvation. Plastic particles can become imbedded in the bodies of fish, which we then consume. There are studies that have found tiny plastic particles in the human body. Only time will tell how their presence will impact on our health.
reduction in Barbados’ plastic pollution over the next 10 years!
We have to take action now!
The following are just two ways by which the Barbados’ National Action Plan to End Plastic Pollution aims to reduce plastic pollution:
reducing the use of single-use bottles, plastic bags, and other single-use plastics items like plastic packaging; and
encouraging importers/distributors to help with the recycling and/or disposal of products they produce or import.
But that is not all. Barbados is actively involved in the global efforts to develop an international legally binding agreement on plastic pollution. The agreement seeks to, among other things, encourage action by all stakeholders, to design plastic products to be recycled or reused, improve the management of plastic waste, and use plastic alternatives where possible.
You too can help end plastic pollution.
Create daily habits that include using reusable water bottles and shopping bags, choosing plastic-less packaging, and by simply, not littering!
We must and can end plastic pollution together!
This message has been shared with you by: Environmental Protection Department L.V. Harcourt Lewis Building, Dalkeith, St. Michael Tel: 535-4600 Email: epd.secretary@epd.gov.bb
2025 World Environment Day MESSAGE
From the Honorable Adrian Forde Minister of Environment and National Beautification, Green and Blue Economy
Today we join our global community in observing World Environment Day 2025. On this day, we are mindful, as strict guardians of our heritage and firm craftsmen of our fate, that it is our responsibility to protect and preserve the natural beauty and other resources of our island.
This year's World Environment Day theme, Ending Plastic Pollution, speaks directly to a growing threat that endangers our marine life, pollutes our landscape, and undermines the health of our people and our planet. Barbados, blessed with beautiful beaches and vibrant ecosystems, must therefore stand as a leader in the fight against plastic pollution.
The escalating increase in disposable plastic production, presumably driven by consumer demand, is exceeding the world’s capacity to deal with the generated waste. This is particularly true for small island developing states, like Barbados, which have limited space for landfills. This results in environmental pollution, with plastic waste building in landfills, natural habitats and
The need for stringent measures to deal with plastic pollution has led to the introduction of legislation and the implementation of other policy measures by the Government of Barbados to significantly minimize and control plastic pollution over the next ten years.
Many Barbadians are aware of the Returnable Containers Act, which came into force in 1986, and which contributes to the reduction of plastic waste, while at the same time provides a source of income for individuals. The value of that plastic waste has not been calculated but only recently, our major recycling establishment, B’s Recycling, launched a product which was manufactured from plastic waste. This product, EkoDuro pavers, is durable and has the potential to compete with the traditional concrete pavers. This innovation from B’s Recycling is an excellent example of the way in which a circular economy should work, one in which waste is
re-cycled and re-used. Subsequent to the Returnable Containers Act, was the Control of Disposable Plastics Act, which was developed to reduce plastic pollution by prohibiting the importation or manufacture of single-use plastic bags, while promoting the use of biodegradable and sustainable alternatives.
Another significant policy measure was the formulation of the Barbados’
National Action Plan to End Plastic Pollution, which was launched in 2024,
and which identified strategies to reduce plastic pollution by 73% over the next decade. These strategies include the enhancement of the plastic ban, the implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility that will drive source separation when national recycling is started, and the improvement of waste collection systems. With respect to the latter, the Government acquired 17 new compactors in November with another 18 having been ordered, and these will assist with the increased frequency of collection of household waste, and a reduction in the indiscriminate disposal of plastic in the environment.
While Barbados continues to make significant strides nationally, there is still more to be done, and each Barbadian has a role to play. Whether it is refusing disposable straws and cutlery at fast food restaurants, using reusable water bottles and shopping bags, supporting local businesses
“Barbados, blessed with beautiful beaches and vibrant ecosystems, must therefore stand as a leader in the fight against plastic pollution.”
that embrace eco-friendly practices or participating in community cleanups, these small actions will contribute to a reduction in plastic pollution.
Let us commit, today and every day, to reducing our plastic footprint. Let us protect our coastline and marine life, safeguard our ecosystems and preserve our environment for future generations of Barbadians.
Together, we can attain a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Barbados.
Happy World Environment Day!
A GUARDIAN OF THE REEF
Dr Anjani Ganase on the Fragile Beauty of Tobago's Coral Ecosystems and the Mounting Caribbean Crisis
By: Bavina Sookdeo
British broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough once described his first dive on a coral reef as "the most revelatory three minutes" of his life. It's a feeling that Dr Anjani Ganase, coral reef ecologist and author of Coral Reefs of Trinidad and Tobago, deeply understands. But today, this sense of wonder comes with a ticking clock as Caribbean reefs face what scientists are calling the most devastating period in their recorded history.
Photo Credit: Mark Lyndersay
growing up with the oCean
Born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, Ganase's journey into marine science began in childhood, shaped by long drives to the coast and snorkelling trips "Down de islands" with her grandfather, a fisherman. "I loved being in the water," she told ADVO in an interview. Those early experiences planted seeds that would eventually bloom into a career spanning over 15 years, with coral reefs ranging from Australia's Coral Sea to Indonesia, Hawaii, and across the Caribbean.
Swimmimng at Manzanilla Beach. Credit: Ranji Ganase
“I loved being in the water... I ended up learning to dive in Trinidad, and the rest was history.”
Today, armed with a PhD in marine spatial ecology from the University of Queensland, Australia, Ganase has returned home to focus on what may be the most critical work of her career: studying the resilience, restoration, and education surrounding Tobago's coral reefs as a researcher at the Institute of Marine Affairs and through initiatives like The Maritime Ocean Collection Roadshow with the NGO SpeSeas.
Anjani preps for diving on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
Credit: Christophe Bailhache
Her path wasn't entirely planned. While pursuing a bachelor's degree in marine biology at the Florida Institute of Technology, Ganase worked on an undergraduate research project analysing Japanese coral reefs after the 1998 bleaching event. "I never saw the Japanese reefs, but I looked up the images of the corals from the book 'Corals of the World,'" she related. "I ended up learning to dive in Trinidad, and the rest was history."
Anjani, SpeSeas Director. Credit: Mark Lyndersay
what makeS tobago SpeCial
Having studied coral reefs worldwide, Ganase emphasises that no two reefs are identical. Each is shaped by its unique environment, ocean conditions, geography, and marine life. "You know how they say every snowflake is unique? I like to say that about coral reefs, and Tobago's reefs are no different."
When she returned home, she didn't expect to be amazed, especially given the lack of reef management and declining state of many Caribbean reefs. However,
she was pleasantly surprised. "We have a smaller community of species, but our coral colonies are large and old. There are several reefs with giant brain corals and mountainous star corals in northeast Tobago - something I have never seen elsewhere."
Even Buccoo Reef, often dismissed as degraded, harbours thriving boulder star corals. "Buccoo Reef is not dead.
It is still home to some of the island's rarest species and ancient coral formations. Without management, however, we will indeed lose them."
Nylon Pool
Coral Gardens
No-Man’s Land
Pigeon Point
This distinction matters more than ever. In Tobago, there are fewer than 50 species of reef-building corals compared to the hundreds found in Indo-Pacific reefs, but they create substantial reef structures and support significant biodiversity. "They are beautiful in their own right—shades of blues, greens, browns," Ganase notes, countering misconceptions shaped by movies like Finding Nemo, which portrays vibrant Indo-Pacific ecosystems.
and University
Queensland
Anjani (left)
of
team surveys reefs of North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Credit: Patrick Gartrell
the perFeCt Storm arriveS
The past 15 years have brought existential threats to Tobago's reefs, but 2024 marked a devastating turning point. "Tobago suffered its biggest loss of coral cover after the 2010 coral bleaching event, losing about 50 percent of its coral cover on average across all monitoring sites," Ganase explained. Since then, there has been no significant recovery.
The back-to-back bleaching events of 2023 and 2024 surpassed all previous records. "The 2024 bleaching event was the most severe we've ever documented in the Caribbean," she emphasised. "We're
Coral bleaching of Tobago’s reef in 2024. Credit: Anjani Ganase
not just talking about local impactsthis was a basin-wide catastrophe."
The numbers tell a stark story: monitoring sites in Tobago recorded thermal stress impacts ranging from 32% to nearly 80%, with seven out of eight sites showing effects greater than 50% from bleaching, paling, and recent mortality. In some areas, temperatures reached 30°C and higher, remaining sustained for weeks, with lethal spikes exceeding 33°C.
When Reefs Turn White
Mass coral bleaching occurs during extreme marine heat waves. "When tropical waters get too warm, the symbiotic relationship between the
Anjani prepares to collect 360-degree images of the giant boulder brain coral in Speyside, Tobago for the Maritime Ocean Collection. Credit: Jonathan Gomez | Institute of Marine Affairs.
coral and algae breaks down," Ganase explained. "The algae, which live in coral tissue and provide food, are expelled, and the coral turns white."
The visual impact is haunting. Large areas of bleached corals have the appearance of snow-capped mountains underwater, creating an eerie, ghostly landscape where vibrant reef communities once thrived. If temperatures remain elevated, corals starve without their algal partners. If the waters cool quickly enough, corals can recover by reincorporating algae.
Ganase vividly remembers witnessing mass mortality during the 2016 global bleaching event on Australia's northern Great Barrier Reef. "You can lose sight of your dive buddy in the crowds of
fish and also see kilometres of coral life," she related. Then suddenly, after bleaching, the marine life disappeared. "On a positive note, I've heard that many of these reefs had significant recovery in the years after, likely because of their remoteness and protection."
“
We have a smaller community of species, but our coral colonies are large and old. There are several reefs with giant brain corals and mountainous star corals in northeast Tobago - something I have never seen elsewhere."
a DiSeaSe without borDerS
Adding urgency to the bleaching crisis is the looming threat of Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD), which has reached 28 countries and territories across the Caribbean but has not yet been found in Trinidad and Tobago. "SCTLD represents an existential threat to our reefs," Ganase warned. "This disease has killed tens of millions of coral colonies since emerging in Florida in 2014."
The disease targets explicitly the large, old brain corals and star corals that make Tobago's reefs distinctive. Unlike
bleaching, which corals can potentially survive, SCTLD causes rapid tissue loss and death within a matter of months. "When we lose these foundational species, we don't just lose corals—we lose entire ecosystems. Fish populations decline, coastal protection weakens, and tourism economies suffer."
The disease spreads through water currents and human activities, moving with frightening speed. In other Caribbean locations, it has spread 450 kilometres of reef in just months. Florida has already lost nearly one-third of its corals to the disease, while other islands have watched half their reefs vanish.
[Continue to page 41 >>>]
This photo shows rapid progression of tissue across a colony of symmetrical brain coral (Pseudodiploria strigosa).
Photo: Brian Reckenbiel | Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
[Source: www.noaa.gov]
Stony Coral tiSSue loSS DiSeaSe (SCtlD)
Sarga SS um
the gooD, the baD anD the ugly
By: Gary R. Goldstein
D.D.S., FAP, FACP, FACD, FGNYAP, HFIPS
Professor Emeritus
New York University
Sargassum is a brown seaweed, a type of algae, which instead of attaching to the seafloor, floats in masses in the Caribbean, African Atlantic and Indian Oceans, and Australia. Its emergence is due to climate change and nutrient-rich agricultural pollution. Since 2011, the free-living populations of brown macroalga have rapidly expanded in the Sargasso Sea and other parts of the open ocean such as the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt. This has resulted in frequent and unprecedented seaweed accumulation, something that wreaks havoc on the Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
the gooD:
Floating Sargassum is a breeding ground for oceanic flora and fauna. It absorbs CO₂ and produces Oxygen.
the baD:
While some countries do not want to do anything about the sargassum issue because it absorbs CO2, the SIDS bears the brunt of its overgrowth and infestation. Ironically, when it decomposes it releases its carbon back into the atmosphere. Smelly, non-accessible beaches hinder tourism and the cost of cleaning the mess is huge. Sargassum reduces the amount of oxygen in the water and releases ammonia and hydrogen sulfide when it degrades, which has been shown to cause illness especially in young children.
the ugly:
Some countries grind it up to be used as fertilizer. Yet, in a joint experiment between WWF-Mexico and STINAPA Bonaire, researchers discovered that vegetables grown in soil enriched with sargassum had higher levels of both arsenic and cadmium. Arsenic has organic and inorganic subspecies and not all are toxic. A study from Florida Atlantic University uncovered how this seaweed can interact with plastic debris in the ocean and deadly Vibrio bacteria to create the perfect “pathogen storm" for beachgoers. Vibrio bacteria are found in waters around the world and are the main cause of death in humans from the marine environment. Vibrio vulnificus is a flesh-eating bacterium that can cause life-threatening illness from seafood consumption, as well as contact
to open wounds. It also destroys coral reefs. Not all subspecies of Vibrio are toxic.
what to Do:
It is critical that more research is needed before the use of sargassum as a fertilizer can be recommended. Hindering the SIDS is the monumental discrepancy between what exists in the environment and what we currently monitor. The proposed SIDS Caribbean Institute for Science, Technology, and Innovation has the capability to detect up to 70 elements on the Periodic Table, including heavy metals, in diverse environments such as land-based fresh waters, soils, and plants, oceanic salt waters and edible aquatic animals within the food chain. In addition, it can also detect these elements in the hair and primary teeth that exfoliate in adolescents which can serve to determine prenatal and postnatal possibility of toxicity.
The Institute can also identify concentrations of toxins, which are harmful to life and may be poisonous even at low concentrations. Toxic pollutants are known to cause heart disease, cancer, hormone disturbances, and failure of the body and brain to grow and thrive. Environmental sources of toxins come from plastics, smoke, pesticides and herbicides, and many other industrial chemicals. The Institute will be equipped to test for thousands of toxins in any solid, such as food or soil, or in any water or other consumed liquid sample.
Without focused data accumulation, the environmental health challenges of SIDS populations will not be solved.
the
eC o-Con SC iou S k it C hen
Caribbean kitchens have always been naturally eco-conscious, born from necessity and island wisdom passed down through generations. Our grandmothers knew how to waste nothing, use everything, and work with nature rather than against it. Today, as climate change threatens our island homes, returning to these traditional practices while embracing modern sustainable solutions creates kitchens that honor both our heritage
embraCing loCal
anD SeaSonal abunDanCe
The foundation of an eco-conscious Caribbean kitchen starts with understanding our natural rhythms. Mango season brings abundance that can feed families for months if properly preserved. Breadfruit ripens in cycles that smart cooks anticipate. Working with these patterns reduces our dependence on imported foods while supporting local farmers and reducing transportation emissions.
Visit local markets early in the morning when fishermen bring fresh catch and farmers display produce picked at dawn. Build relationships with vendors who can tell you when certain fruits will peak or when vegetables are truly local versus imported. This connection to your food sources creates a more sustainable supply chain while often providing better prices and fresher ingredients.
Grow what you can, even in small spaces.
Herbs like thyme, parsley, and chives thrive in pots on balconies or windowsills. Hot peppers, tomatoes, and leafy greens can flourish in container gardens. These small contributions reduce packaging waste while providing the freshest possible ingredients for your cooking.
waSte reDuCtion through
traDitional wiSDom
Caribbean cooking traditionally uses every part of ingredients, a practice that modern eco-conscious kitchens are rediscovering. Fish bones become rich stock for soup. Vegetable peels and ends create flavorful broths. Overripe mangoes transform into preserves or natural fruit leather. This approach significantly reduces kitchen waste while maximizing nutrition and flavor.
Start composting kitchen scraps to create rich soil for growing herbs and vegetables. Even apartment dwellers can maintain small composting systems using containers with tight-fitting lids. Coffee grounds, eggshells, and vegetable scraps become valuable nutrients for plants rather than waste heading to already overwhelmed landfills.
Preserve abundance when it's available. Learn traditional methods like saltcuring fish, making pepper sauce that lasts months, or sun-drying fruits. These techniques reduce dependence on refrigeration while extending the life of seasonal foods. Water bath canning works well for jams and pickled vegetables in humid Caribbean climates.
energy anD water
ConServation
Caribbean kitchens face unique challenges with high energy costs and sometimes unreliable utilities. Pressure cookers reduce cooking times dramatically while using less fuel—perfect for rice, beans, and tough cuts of meat. Cook using the traditional outdoor fireside occationally. Solar ovens work exceptionally well in our intense sunlight for slow-cooking stews and baking bread without adding heat to your home.
Plan cold meals during the hottest parts of the day. Fresh fruit salads, chilled soups, and no-cook dishes keep kitchens cooler while reducing energy use. Batch cooking during cooler morning or evening hours allows you to prepare multiple meals using residual heat from one cooking session.
Collect rainwater for washing vegetables and dishes when possible. This practice reduces strain on municipal water systems while providing naturally soft water that's often better for cleaning. Simple filtration through clean cloth removes debris, making rainwater suitable for most kitchen tasks.
Island communities see firsthand how plastic waste affects our beaches and marine life. Reduce packaging waste by shopping with reusable bags and containers. Many vendors happily fill your own containers with bulk items like rice, beans, and spices.
Replace single-use plastic items with durable alternatives. Bamboo utensils, glass storage containers, and cloth produce bags eliminate daily plastic waste. Beeswax wraps work better than plastic wrap in humid climates and can be refreshed multiple times before composting.
Make your own cleaning products using ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and citrus peels. These natural cleaners work effectively in Caribbean kitchens while avoiding harsh chemicals that can harm coral reefs when they enter wastewater systems.
builDing Community through
SuStainable praCtiCeS
Share abundance with neighbors when gardens or fishing expeditions produce more than your family can use. This traditional practice strengthens
community bonds while preventing waste. Organize informal recipe exchanges focusing on local ingredients and preservation techniques.
Support restaurants and food businesses that prioritize local sourcing and sustainable practices. Your choices influence market demand and encourage more businesses to adopt eco-conscious approaches.
The eco-conscious Caribbean kitchen represents a return to wisdom while embracing innovation. By combining traditional practices with modern sustainable solutions, we create cooking spaces that nourish our families while protecting the islands we call home. Every small change contributes to preserving our beautiful Caribbean environment for future generations.
GREEN AND BLUE ECONOMY
the Honorable Adrian Forde Minister of Environment and National Beautification, Green and Blue Economy
Today, on World Oceans Day 2025, Barbados stands with the global community in celebrating the immense value of our oceans. This year’s theme, “Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us,” invites us to reflect not only on the awe-inspiring beauty and mystery of the sea, but also on our shared responsibility to protect and preserve it. Our ocean is a life force—regulating the climate, producing oxygen, supporting livelihoods, and feeding millions. For island nations like ours, it is also a defining part of our identity, culture, and future.
“Our ocean is a life force— regulating the climate, producing oxygen, supporting livelihoods, and feeding millions. For island nations like ours, it is also a defining part of our identity, culture, and future.
Globally, over 3 billion people rely on the ocean for their livelihoods, and approximately 80% of world trade moves across its waters. Here in Barbados, nearly half of our population lives within two kilometres of the coast—a proximity that brings both immense benefits and significant risks. Our blue environment holds rich biodiversity and natural capital that underpin food security, tourism, and national resilience. It is not just an ecological treasure—it is an economic engine, and we must continue to manage and protect it wisely.
However, our oceans face increasing threats. Rising temperatures, marine pollution, unsustainable fishing, and biodiversity loss are placing immense pressure on marine ecosystems. With the growing impacts of climate change, we are witnessing firsthand the devastating connection between ocean health and natural disasters. Storms, hurricanes, and coastal flooding now arrive earlier and with greater intensity, threatening lives and reversing years of development gains.
The early formation and strength of Hurricane Beryl in 2024 was a stark reminder of our vulnerability. Though Barbados avoided a direct strike, the island experienced strong winds, coastal damage, and disruption to our fisheries. These events underscore the urgent need for stronger resilience measures—both environmental and infrastructural. We can no longer afford to treat such occurrences as rare; they are becoming part of our new reality.
The time for bold, coordinated action is now. Building resilience means investing in nature—restoring coral reefs, protecting mangroves, and supporting sustainable marine practices. It means protecting the ecosystems that protect us. It also means empowering communities to become guardians of our coastal resources, so that future generations of Barbadians can continue to rely on the ocean for sustenance, security, and opportunity.
The Government of Barbados has taken decisive steps in this direction. The establishment of the Barbados Ocean and
long term, with both environmental and economic considerations in mind.
Additionally, the Government has enacted policies to ensure that our key marine sectors, such as fishing, remain sustainable. Under the recently enacted Sustainable Fisheries Management and Development Act, 2025 marine ecosystems will be protected by measures to reduce pollution from fishing activities and the use of harmful fishing gears and practices, climate resilient fisheries infrastructure will be enhanced, and financial and social empowerment will be facilitated to fisherfolk and all sector stakeholders. Additionally, our fisheries sector is being strengthened using data-driven management and community-led conservation. Fishers are being given a greater voice in shaping the future of
their industry, and we are fostering a culture of stewardship rather than extraction.
Other legislation, such as the soon-to-becompleted Integrated Coastal and Marine Management Bill, 2025, will aim to enhance the effective management, protection, and conservation of Barbados’ coastal and marine areas and resources—especially in the face of climate change and other environmental shifts. Supporting this mandate is the development of a Marine Spatial Plan (MSP), a vital, science-based tool currently underway. The MSP will guide the sustainable management of ocean activities by identifying biodiversity
hotspots, regulating fishing zones, and organizing marine tourism. Ultimately, it will deepen our understanding of what exists in our waters and how best to manage these resources. This integrated approach will reduce user conflicts, strengthen conservation, and support informed decision-making, that benefits both people and the planet.
Education and youth engagement are also critical pillars of this strategy. Through school programmes, marine science internships, and youth innovation challenges, we are nurturing a generation that value the ocean and is equipped to protect it.
But we cannot act alone. As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), Barbados continues to call for stronger international cooperation, increased financing, and the transfer of clean technologies.
Ocean sustainability must be a shared global responsibility. It is profoundly unjust that those who contribute least to environmental degradation often suffer the most severe consequences.
This is why Barbados remains a strong advocate on global platforms—from COP summits to United Nations conferences— we are championing climate justice, ocean equity, and resilience financing. The voices of small islands must not be a footnote in international policy—they must be central to the conversation.
We proudly support regional initiatives such as the Caribbean Regional Oceanscape Project and actively engage with global scientific bodies to expand ocean research and data sharing. The ocean connects us all—across latitudes, economies, and cultures. What happens in one part of the sea ultimately affects us all.
To protect this shared resource, we must make science more accessible, craft policies that are inclusive, and ensure our actions are transparent and accountable. Traditional knowledge must stand alongside academic research. The creativity and resilience of local communities must be recognised and uplifted. And the solutions we pursue must be not only effective, but also people-centred, fair and just.
As we celebrate World Oceans Day 2025, let us rekindle our sense of wonder for the sea—and match that wonder with action.
[<<< Continued from page 24]
Fighting baCk with SCienCe anD hope
Despite witnessing devastating losses, Ganase refuses to surrender. She’s pioneering coral restoration through larval propagation, essentially becoming a coral matchmaker. “This involves monitoring coral spawning, collecting gametes, conducting assisted cross-fertilisation, encouraging settlement on seeding units, and then outplanting on the reef,” she explained.
Credit: Mark Lyndersay
Working with the Institute of Marine Affairs and international partner SECORE International, her team focuses on vulnerable brain coral species, racing to preserve genetic material before SCTLD arrives. “If that disease hits our giant brain corals, we’ll have their babies ready to rebuild.”
Current restoration efforts concentrate on Speyside and Charlotteville, Tobago, with hopes to expand to Buccoo Reef. But Ganase cautions that “restoration cannot happen in isolation. It is an essential component of resilience-based management.”
the enForCement gap
One of the most persistent challenges remains the lack of adequate marine protection. “Not effective at all, unfortunately,” Ganase said bluntly about Trinidad and Tobago’s current efforts. “The Buccoo Reef Marine Protected Area does not have an updated and approved management plan, and very little is enforced. The title of MPA does more harm than good without enforcement.”
The world’s most productive marine protected areas are “spatially large, older than 10 years, and fully protected” with no fishing or extractive activities allowed. These areas benefit surrounding waters by generatig population overflow and supplying marine organisms to downstream ecosystems.
“Governments need to recognise that healthy and protected ecosystems improve social issues such as food security, health and wellbeing, and even crime,” Ganase emphasised. “We need to start prioritising full protection of coral reefs and other marine ecosystems.”
a Caribbean CriSiS requireS Caribbean SolutionS
The reality is sobering: diseases and ocean currents don’t recognise national borders. “SCTLD can hop from Grenda to Trinidad in weeks,” Ganase warned. “No island can fight this alone—we either work together or we all lose together.”
PHOTO CAPTIONS & CREDITS:
» 1) Anjani and Hannah, researchers from the Institute of Marine Affairs, conduct coral restoration fieldwork at Mt Irvine Reef. Credit: Anjani Ganase
» 2) Coral spawning diving in Curaçao. Credit: Anjani Ganase
» 3) Conducting assisted fertilisation with SECORE International in Charlotteville, Tobago. Credit: Jonathan Gomez.
» 4) Coral Rearing In-situ Basin (CRIB) used for rearing newborn corals in the ocean. CRIB design by SECORE International. Credit: Anjani Ganase
» 5) The Marine Resilience Initiative, Tobago team made up of IMA researchers and regional partners, SECORE International.
She’s calling for unprecedented regional cooperation: real-time reef monitoring shared across all Caribbean nations, emergency response teams that can cross borders within days, and pooled resources for research. “We need to stop thinking like 30 separate islands and start acting like one Caribbean community with a shared ocean.”
The economic stakes are enormous. These reefs support approximately 43 million people and generate billions of dollars through tourism and fishing. When they collapse, livelihoods disappear overnight, dive boats sit empty, fishing nets come up lighter, and coastal communities lose their natural storm barriers.
bringing the
oCean to l anD
To bridge the gap between scientific urgency and public understanding, Ganase has embraced technology. Her Maritime Ocean Collection project creates 360-degree imagery of Tobago’s coral reefs, viewable through virtual reality. The project, funded by Maritime Financial, has reached over 1,000 students across the nation. These immersive experiences help dispel misconceptions and showcase the unique beauty of Caribbean reefs, which are distinct yet no less remarkable than their Indo-Pacific counterparts.
The Maritime Ocean Collection Roadshow is an initiative by SpeSeas to educate students about the coral reefs of Tobago using immersive technology. Credit: Heidi Victoria
Her book, Coral Reefs of Trinidad and Tobago, which was partly funded by Shell T&T, includes a commitment to distribute copies to secondary schools. “For an island state where we are responsible for a marine area 15 times the size of our combined land mass, there is an urgent need to improve understanding about our ocean backyard.”
raCing againSt time
The window for action is narrowing rapidly. “We used to get hit by major bleaching maybe once in a generation,” Ganase explained. “Now it’s every few years. Our reefs are getting hit before they can even recover.”
Her message to Caribbean leaders carries both urgency and hope: “We have maybe five years before this becomes irreversible. Either we act now with the boldness this crisis demands, or we explain to our children why we let their ocean heritage die on our watch.”
“We used to get hit by major bleaching maybe once in a generation... Now it’s every few years!”
PHOTO CAPTIONS & CREDITS:
» 1) (Bottom left) Dr Anjani Ganase of the Coral Reefs of Trinidad and Mr Gregory Sloane-Seale, Shell Tobago and Dr Ava Maxam, Director of Marine Affairs. Credit: Hannah
» 2) Coral reefs of Buccoo Reef Marine Park, Tobago. Credit: Anjani Ganase
» 3) Coral spawning of the mountainous coral in Tobago. Credit: Anjani
» 4) Boulder brain coral and yellow coral. Credit: Anjani Ganase
» 5) Rare staghorn corals at Buccoo Tobago. Credit: Anjani Ganase
Ganase (centre), author and Tobago, with Shell Trinidad and Director of the Institute Hannah Lochan.
Marine Ganase
mountainous star
Anjani Ganase
yellow pencil
Buccoo Reef,
the human element
Despite mounting challenges, what keeps Ganase motivated remains deeply personal. “People—those that work in coral reef science and conservation, students, children. There is hope in our future generations,” she answered when asked what sustains her work.
Her experience reflects a broader truth about environmental work: it’s ultimately about people and relationships. “This experience was personal, like watching your home burning,” she said about the 2024 bleaching event. “I’ve been studying these reefs so closely over the last five years that I’ve really got to know them.”
a Call For bolD aCtion
Coral reefs are in transition, undergoing rapid changes over the past 50 years, and are expected to continue transforming over the next 50 years. While Ganase has witnessed significant death on the reefs, she finds it heartening to see surviving corals and adaptation occurring in real-time.
“Our reefs are screaming for help,” Ganase concluded. “The only question is whether we’ll listen before it’s too late.”
The science of coral restoration and resilience offers fascinating insights into innovative efforts ensuring these ecosystems survive in a post-climate crisis world. But science alone isn’t enough. It requires political will, regional cooperation, effective enforcement, and communities that understand the importance of the stakes.
For Dr Anjani Ganase, guardian of Tobago’s reefs, the work continues with the knowledge that every day matters, every coral counts, and every person who understands becomes part of the solution.
Story by: Bavina Sookdeo Writer/Media Consultant
Sanga Rock, north-east Tobago. Credit: Jonathan Gomez
Finding Hope in the Sargassum Challenge
By: Barry Lovelace, Environmentalist and Natural Resource Manager. A Member of the Trinidad and Tobago National Sargassum Taskforce
It was a Sunday morning in April 2011, and I was enjoying my usual view of the Atlantic from my home on Tobago's east coast. Something strange caught my eye on the horizon - a dark, floating mass making its way toward shore. My first thought was alarming: could this be an oil spill?
As the mysterious visitor drew closer, I could make out its light brown,
stringy texture. It was seaweed, but unlike anything I'd ever seen. The sheer volume was staggering - thick mats stretching across the water like a golden carpet. As the mats drifted past the coastline I wondered about their final destination. Within days, a two-metre “wall” of this brown algae had accumulated on the beach near my home. I knew instinctively that something, somewhere, had fundamentally changed.
Large mounds of sargassum seeweed deposit on a beach near Barry’s home in Tobago.
Credit: Vindra Gopaul
Istarted taking photos, doing research, and reaching out to colleagues. But back then, no one seemed to have answers. The fresh sargassum had an almost attractive appearance in its goldenbrown glory, but as days passed and it began to rot, the transformation was dramatic. The seaweed turned dark and released a pungent sulfur odor that made your eyes water. I had a strong hunch this was connected to climate change, though I couldn't have imagined then that this would become our "new normal".
Fast forward over a decade later, and we now understand that massive sargassum influxes are indeed part of what climate change looks like for our region. Scientists have identified that a combination of warming sea surface temperatures, altered ocean circulation patterns, and increased nutrient runoff from continental
sources - particularly from the Amazon River and West African dust - have created ideal conditions for unprecedented sargassum blooms in what's now called the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt.
a regional Challenge requiring regional SolutionS
This isn't just Tobago's problem, or even Trinidad and Tobago's alone. From Florida to Africa, from Barbados to Belize, sargassum has become a shared Caribbean reality since 2011. The crossborder nature of this challenge demands cross-border solutions, which is why regional cooperation has become essential.
One of the most promising developments has been the Japanese-funded Project for Improving National Sargassum Management Capacities in the Caribbean This US$12 million initiative is providing five Caribbean countries - including Trinidad and Tobago - with specialized equipment for both in-water and onshore sargassum collection. We're receiving everything from floating booms and aquatic conveyor harvesters to lightweight tractors and beach rakes. More importantly, the project is fostering the kind of knowledge-sharing and coordination that this transboundary challenge requires.
As a member of Trinidad and Tobago's National Sargassum Task Force, I look forward, optimistically, to see how collaboration between agencies, communities, and regional partners can transform our approach from reactive crisis management to proactive, adaptive management. We're no longer just asking
"how do we clean this up?" but "how do we turn this challenge into an opportunity?"
the Silver lining in golDen tiDeS
The key is timing and technique. Fresh sargassum, collected before it starts decomposing, has the greatest potential for beneficial use. However, sargassum specialists warn, we must proceed carefully with research-based approaches.
Recent studies have identified concerns about heavy metal concentrations and bacterial interactions that require further investigation before widespread commercial use can be recommended.
While sargassum influx presents serious challenges for tourism, fisheries, and coastal communities, it also offers remarkable opportunities for innovation and sustainable development.
An example of a special boat collecting sargassum seaweed off the coasts of Le Robert on France's Martinique island.
Credit: Thomas Coex
Sargassum is rich in nutrients and has shown promise as an organic fertilizer, helping Caribbean farmers reduce their dependence on expensive imported chemicals. Researchers are exploring its potential in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and even construction materials. In Mexico, someone has already built the world's first house made entirely from sargassum bricks.
looking ForwarD with hope
Yes, sargassum influxes are now part of our reality. Climate change has altered our ocean systems in ways that make massive algae blooms our “new normal”. But what gives me hope is witnessing the incredible innovation and collaboration emerging across our region.
Caribbean communities must work together. Scientists are developing better forecasting systems to give us advance warning. Entrepreneurs are finding new ways to turn this brown tide into green opportunities. And initiatives like the UNDP's Sargassum Innovation Challenge are encouraging local innovators to develop market-based solutions.
Back in 2011, standing on that beach watching those first massive mats wash ashore, I wondered whether this development would change our ecosystems for better or worse. Today, I believe the answer depends on us. If we approach sargassum with creativity, collaboration, and commitment to sustainable management, we can transform this climate challenge into a catalyst for innovation and resilience.
Of course, turning this challenge into opportunity isn't without its complexities - we need both innovation and careful research to ensure our solutions don't create new problems.
The sea has changed, and we must change with it. In the change lies opportunity. Let us work together as a region, to innovate sustainable solutions, and to show the world that Caribbean ingenuity can turn even the most daunting challenges into stepping stones toward a more sustainable future.
In the Age of Climate Change: A Caribbean Perspective
Every June, Caribbean families begin the familiar ritual of checking supplies and watching weather reports. But the storms we face today aren't the same ones our parents weathered. Climate change has transformed hurricane season into something more unpredictable and dangerous, requiring us to rethink how we protect our families and communities.
Recent storms tell the story clearly. When Hurricane Dorian stalled over the Bahamas for nearly two days, it created devastation beyond anything in living memory. Maria left Puerto Rico without power for nearly a year. These weren't just stronger storms—they behaved in ways that caught everyone off guard.
why our olD
StrategieS neeD upDating
The Caribbean's warm waters now fuel storms to frightening intensities within hours. Where hurricanes once took days
to strengthen, they now explode from tropical storms to Category 4 monsters overnight. This rapid intensification leaves little time for last-minute preparations, especially when you're living on an island with nowhere to run.
Rising seas make storm surge more dangerous than ever. Areas that stayed dry for generations now flood during moderate storms. Meanwhile, warmer air holds more moisture, turning hurricanes into massive rain machines that can dump months of water in days. The mountains that make our islands beautiful also trap these storms, creating flash floods and landslides that continue long after winds die down.
water: your moSt
CritiCal reSourCe
Island living means accepting that help might be weeks away. When Hurricane Maria hit Dominica, some communities went six months without regular water service. Plan for at least three weeks without running water—more if you have space.
Store water in multiple containers throughout your home. Those large blue barrels work well, but don't forget smaller containers you can move if needed. Add water purification tablets to your supplies since wells often become contaminated with saltwater that can take months to clear.
Set up simple rainwater collection using clean buckets and tarps. Even during storms, you can collect fresh water if you're prepared. This backup system has saved countless families when other sources failed.
FooD that l aStS without power
Caribbean communities know how to eat well without electricity, but modern families sometimes forget these skills. Stock up on rice, beans, canned fish, and crackers—foods that fill you up and don't spoil. Include familiar seasonings to make simple meals taste like home.
Don't forget a manual can opener and camping stove with extra fuel. Small propane burners work well and are safer than charcoal indoors. If you have a gas stove, it might work even without electricity for cooking.
Keep some comfort foods too. Chocolate, crackers, or whatever makes your family smile during tough times. These small luxuries matter more than you'd think when you're living by candlelight.
power SolutionS that aCtually work
Forget about keeping your whole house running. Focus on essentials: lights, phone charging, and maybe a small fan. Small solar panels with battery packs have become affordable and reliable. A basic setup can keep LED lights and phones working for weeks.
If you buy a generator, get one that runs quietly and efficiently. Your neighbors will appreciate it, and you'll use less fuel. Never run generators indoors or in enclosed spaces—carbon monoxide kills silently.
builDing Community
ConneCtionS
Caribbean people have always survived storms together. Make sure you know your neighbors before disaster strikes. Exchange phone numbers and discuss who has what skills or equipment. The carpenter down the street becomes invaluable when roofs need quick repairs.
Organize informal neighborhood groups to share resources and information. One family's generator can charge everyone's phones. Someone with first aid training can help multiple households. These connections often mean the difference between struggling alone and getting through together.
FinanCial reality CheCk
Tourism-dependent Caribbean economies mean many families lose income for months after major storms. Keep emergency cash in small bills—ATMs don't work without power. Consider joining or starting a community savings group where members contribute regularly and can borrow during emergencies.
Review your insurance annually. Many policies exclude flood damage, and some companies are leaving Caribbean markets entirely. Understand exactly what's covered before you need to file a claim.
Staying ConneCteD
when everything FailS
Communication becomes critical for coordinating help and checking on family. Battery-powered radios receive emergency broadcasts even when cell towers fail. Some communities maintain amateur radio networks that connect islands when nothing else works.
Download offline maps and emergency information to your phone before storm
season. Keep important documents in waterproof containers, including copies stored with trusted friends on other islands.
moving ForwarD
Modern hurricane preparation means combining traditional Caribbean resilience with new realities. The storms are stronger, but our communities remain resourceful. Start preparing now, connect with neighbors, and remember that surviving these challenges together makes us all stronger. Every family that prepares well makes the whole community more resilient.
An Important Conversation
It is that time of the year that probably a lot of us dread. Will I be safe? Will my family be safe? Will all be right with my house? Will I have enough food? These are some of the questions and concerns that plague our minds and create some anxiety; and over time, we seem to have become better at communicating how to manage and mitigate these concerns.
However, let’s take a few minutes to explore an issue which is not normally thought of as a priority. I am referring to how we manage and respond to substance use and abuse during times of natural disasters, especially if this period is extended.
“Stress and negative emotions can trigger substance use. In a disaster they can impact substance use in more than one way."
Everyone who witnesses or experiences a disaster is affected by it somehow. It is normal for someone to feel anxious about their safety, as well as that of their friends and family. Profound sadness, grief, and anger are normal reactions to an abnormal event. However, acknowledging those feelings and working toward small wins, such as getting adequate rest and maintaining routines as much as possible, can be helpful.
Focusing on positives, such as strengths and abilities, can aid in the healing process. Additionally, accepting help from community programs and resources is another healthy, sometimes necessary, step people may need to take. It not only provides relief but can also help individuals feel more a part of their community.
As alluded to earlier, when a disaster strikes, it can result in heightened anxiety and distress especially when persons are cut off from their social circle and/or
essential service providers. There is no access to telephone service, no access to the Internet, no access to running water, no access to electricity. There may be damage to property, loss of home or loss of life. If you have to reach out to others for social support when going through rough times, the absence of these utilities can interrupt or prevent the reach to such help. This in turn, induces higher levels of stress.
Stress and negative emotions can trigger substance use. In a disaster they can impact substance use in more than one way. For persons in recovery, whatever the length of time, such situations could trigger use as a means to cope with these emotions and therefore lead to relapse. If someone is experiencing active addiction, substance use can also intensify for example, where the person increases his/her intake of substances to cope with all that is going on.
“While talking to friends and family can be helpful, seeking professional help may be necessary
“accepting help from community programs and resources is another healthy, sometimes necessary, step people may need to take.
It is crucial to have conversations with people about the emotions they are experiencing, even though it may be challenging. While talking to friends and family can be helpful, seeking professional help may be necessary if negative coping strategies such as substance or alcohol use are being utilized or if the temptation to use after being sober becomes too difficult to handle. When people use alcohol and substances to
deal with the aftermath of a natural disaster, it is crucial to seek support from a mental health professional with expertise in addiction and recovery. This proactive step can help prevent the situation from deteriorating further
With respect to the provision of assistance, unfortunately outpatient facilities may be unable to reopen if there is no electricity, water supply or telephone service. This further adds to the interruption of vital social and medical support in these conditions.
Another possibility that could occur after the passing of a hurricane or a storm is reduced access to drugs including alcohol. For those who are dependent on these substances, or those who have been using for a long period in large
amounts up to the time of reduced or no access, withdrawal can occur. Withdrawal refers to the signs and symptoms that occur when a person stops using a psychoactive substance on which he or she is dependent. Some of these signs and symptoms include vomiting, hand tremors, seizures, hallucinations, anxiety, confusion, disorientation and delusions to list a few. Withdrawal can lead to serious medical complications up to and including death.
what Can i Do to mitigate theSe poSSible outComeS?
Since we know that the probability of natural disasters is higher during this season, we need to prepare for worst-case scenarios. This includes being able to manage the anxiety and concern that could occur. This would translate into following the guidance from the Meteorological Office and the Department of Emergency Management, to ensure that you and your family’s basic needs can be met during and immediately after the occurrence of natural disaster. Not having to worry about basic necessities goes a long way in helping stay calm during periods of anxiety.
During times of crisis, individuals who are in recovery may experience heightened stress and a strong inclination to relapse. It is important
to recognize that people respond to disasters in unique ways, and those in recovery may exhibit signs such as:
» Isolating themselves from friends and family
» Difficulty sleeping, concentrating, and communicating thoughts
» Low threshold of frustration.
» Increased use of drugs/alcohol.
» Limited attention span.
» Disorientation or confusion.
» Reluctance to leave home or participate in activities that used to bring them joy
» Depression, sadness that persists for two weeks or longer
» Feelings of hopelessness.
» Extreme mood swings
For those who are in counselling, this is the time to utilise the coping skills you were exposed to in counselling. Try your best to be calm and practice deep breathing to bring the anxiety down. Tell yourself “I am going to get through this.” Try your best to be positive.
After the storm or hurricane has passed and there is a way to get to a meeting such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotic Anonymous or other support group sessions, you should try your best to attend.
“Try your best to be calm and practice deep breathing to bring the anxiety down. Tell yourself “I am going to get through this.” Try your best to be positive.
other ConSiDerationS
Currently, there are challenges that will occur in the event of a natural disaster. With power outages and problems with access to telephone lines it will be difficult to access our traditional crisis hotlines in these times and even counselling services.
Given the link between trauma and substance use, it will be critical for the National Council on Substance Abuse to partner with the Department of Emergency
Management to mitigate the challenges that will arise in a disaster. This may include the training of the wardens at shelters and first responders on how to assist persons with substance use problems along with training for the management of prescription medications at shelters to list a few suggestions.
Funding to help design and implement programs to respond to substance use and substance use disorders during disasters like storms and hurricanes is something to consider.
