New Paper Shows Invasive Species Removal is a Nature-Based Solution for Climate Resilience
Island Conservation and partners have published a new paper quantifying ecosystem resilience on restored islands!
Restoring islands for nature and people worldwide.
Published on
December 5, 2016
Written by
Sara
Photo credit
Sara
Rochelle Newbold is joining Island Conservation to head up our new Bahamas Island Conservation Office as the Bahamas Program Manager. Rochelle holds a master’s degree from Duke University in environmental management and has more than 16 years of experience in the field of conservation in the Bahamas. She brings to the team an extensive background in sustainable planning and development, regulatory compliance, and natural resource management. She has worked with government agencies, NGO’s, and private landholders. Most recently she worked as a project coordinator for the Global Environment Facility United Nations Environment Program. She has a robust history of direct experience with most of the Bahamas’ outer islands and has in-depth knowledge of the region.
We asked Rochelle to share her perspective on her work and the importance of native and locally-based conservation leaders. Here is her response:
What inspires you to be involved in island restoration?
If you’re living on an island, you’re very cognizant of beginnings and endings. You become acutely aware of limitations, including time. On an island, you can observe ecological changes in your own backyard and sometimes you can see changes within a generation. The native curly-tailed lizard, for example, used to be common during my childhood. Now, its population is decreasing and its appearance is restricted to hotspots. Another example of change is the presence of the invasive Australian pine, the Casuarina spp. On some islands, it’s hundreds of feet tall and it’s literally marching its way down island coastlines. While the casuarina is an invasive, we grew up with it, we never knew it wasn’t part of the native ecosystem. But, now we’re more knowledgeable of its effects and the fact that it’s forcing out native coastal vegetation and contributing to erosion. It’s examples like these which compels me to work with those who seek to restore the islands, not just for our enjoyment but the survival of hundreds of animals and plant species.
What are you looking forward to in your new position with Island Conservation?
I think Island Conservation’s interest in working with Bahamians is a good indication of their willingness to support local and national initiatives. Because Island Conservation isn’t bringing a prescribed agenda, it opens the door for Bahamians to have their concerns addressed and it fosters a good working relationship.
Through partnerships with Bahamanian communities, governments, NGOs and others, I’m looking forward to broadening the national conversation about invasives and expanding our conservation goals. Conservation is a very complex conversation, when you’re talking about potentially eradicating one species to protect another. It’s not a conversation we in The Bahamas can avoid much longer. Considering climate change and sea level rise, our islands’ land spaces are going to become smaller–in a few generations, we could be experiencing a land crisis. And given the predicted climatic changes, we will need to try to give our native fauna and flora the best chance at survival—we need to act now to enhance their resilience. If we don’t then many of our native species populations could fall off the tipping point. We must take steps now to prioritize what’s critically important for the future of the country.
Rochelle will be coordinating implementation of a small-island restoration project in the Bahamas and developing a long-term strategy for restoration in the country. With her experience, knowledge, and dedication to conservation, Rochelle will help us advance our mission to prevent extinctions in authentic partnerships with local communities. Please join us in welcoming Rochelle to the team!
Check out other journal entries we think you might be interested in.
Island Conservation and partners have published a new paper quantifying ecosystem resilience on restored islands!
Climate Week NYC: what is it and why is it important? Read on to find out why Island Conservation is attending this amazing event!
With sea levels on the rise, how are the coastlines of islands transforming? Read on to find out how dynamic islands really are!
Join us in celebrating the most amazing sights from around the world by checking out these fantastic conservation photos!
Rare will support the effort to restore island-ocean ecosystems by engaging the Coastal 500 network of local leaders in safeguarding biodiversity (Arlington, VA, USA) Today, international conservation organization Rare announced it has joined the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge (IOCC), a global effort to…
Island Conservation accepts cryptocurrency donations. Make an impact using your digital wallet today!
For Immediate Release Conservation powerhouse BirdLife South Africa has joined the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge (IOCC) – a global initiative aiming to restore, rewild and protect islands, oceans and communities – to support its work to save internationally significant albatross populations…
Video captures insights and hopes from the partners who are working to restore Lehua Island, Hawai’i. In 2021, Lehua Island officially became free from the threat of invasive rodents. This is a huge accomplishment that has enriched the region’s biodiversity…
Carolina Torres describes how the project to restore and rewild Floreana Island signals hope for a future where people and nature can thrive together in the Galápagos.
A new plan to restore seabird habitats in areas affected by the Deepwater Horizon disaster includes invasive species removal.