Abaco boasts a wide variety of plants, animals and other living things—also referred to as biodiversity. Due to habitat destruction and invasive species, Abaco’s biodiversity is under threat.
To help protect Abaco’s biodiversity, Friends of the Environment has recently launched a project called “Go Native!”. This project supports the planting of native plants for landscaping and encourages businesses and homeowners to remove invasive plants and replace them with natives. In addition to affecting biodiversity and taking over native habitat, some invasive plants, such as Casuarina, also accelerate erosion.
To join the Go Native! movement, send in a photo showing the removal of Hawaiian seagrape (and other invasive plants) from your property. Once received, FRIENDS will give Go Native! participants plants to help kick-start the replanting of your property, as well as a sign that reads “Gone Native!”
The first business participant of the Go Native movement is The Abaco Inn on Elbow Cay. Manager Tom Hazel removed 60 truck loads of Hawaiian seagrape.
For more information on the Go Native! program, contact Friends of the Environment at (242) 347-2721, email info@friendsoftheenvironment.org, or visit www.friendsoftheenvironment.org.
The Go Native! program is supported by the GEF Small Grants Programme (http://www.sgpbahamas.org).