Trees Removed Illegally in Montserrat

The Department of Environment has sounded a warning against the unlawful act of deforestation on Montserrat. 

In a press release issued on Wednesday, the department said it is cautioning the public against conducting these activities in the ghauts, ravines and forested areas of Montserrat that can cause severe degradation to the area. 

The press release said this comes as the Department has observed that a number of trees have been cut down in the forest resulting in significant damage to the natural habitat and leaving areas vulnerable to erosion and landslides.

The Department of Environment also pointed out that a number of species of trees that line the ghauts, ravines and forests are either fully or partially protected under current legislation; The Conservation and Environmental Management Act (CEMA). 

Therefore, any activity such as clearing of forested land for agriculture, setting coal pits or felling trees for timber would require a permit from the Department of Environment.

The Department further stated that it is cognizant of the impact on persons who use forests and their products for their livelihood, but stresses checks and balances are in place for a reason and should be adhered to at all times.

The Department is therefore encouraging persons to refrain from continuing activities that are detrimental to the environment and could also impact the integrity of the watershed which could compromise the islands water supply.

The Department of Environment is also reminding the public that the forested areas of Montserrat are home to a rich unique and diverse biodiversity, including a number of endemic species that are only found on Montserrat or restricted to a few neighboring islands. 

Adding that unmanaged activity in these areas can lead to forest fragmentation that can upset nature’s equilibrium resulting in the loss of key species.