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PROJECT GOAL: The overall goal of the project is to conserve the native and endangered plant and animal species of the Negril Great Morass by clearing the areas that are heavily affected by the Invasive Alien Species Ipomoea tiliacea.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The restoration of the Native Plant Specie of the Negril Great Morass is a two year project that will focus primarily on the rigorous removal of the Ipomoea tiliacea which is a fast growing and destructive Invasive Alien Specie.
A tour through the Negril Royal Palm Reserve as well as other accessible parts of the Negril Great Morass reveals the mass coverage of the Ipomoea tiliacea on more than eighty percent of the trees present. This dense coverage results in:
- Stunted growth;
- Death of plants; as well as
- Poor visitor experience at the Negril Royal Palm Reserve.
This project is therefore of utmost importance to the continued use of the Negril Royal Palm Reserve as one means of sustainable income generation, the consideration of the Great Morass for Ramsar designation as well as other conservation instruments and most importantly the existence of the swamp forest. The success of the removal and control of this plant will also be used as a case study that can assist conservationists working on projects to mitigate the threats of Invasive Alien Species. The achievement will be measured by comparing the degree of visibility of the plants before and after the removal exercise. The amount of acres of forest cleared, the duration of clearing as well as the technique used in clearing will also aid in measuring the success of the project.
PROJECT OUTPUTS:
- Ipomoea cleared from 150 acres of priority site within the Negril Great Morass
- Case study documented
- Taskforce engaged in environmental educational and awareness activities relating to Forests and Wetland Ecosystems
- New educational materials developed
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