The Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary, home to Barbados’s largest remaining mangrove forest, is poised for a major revival as it prepares to reopen in March under new ownership. Following a multi-million-dollar acquisition by businessman and philanthropist Anthony Da Silva, the South Coast wetland will operate as a paid facility, creating jobs and expanding the island’s ecotourism footprint.
When the sanctuary reopens, 20 full-time jobs will be created, with approximately 40 additional roles during a $2.5 million upgrade of the site’s amenities.
Da Silva, the new owner and Protector of the recently formed Barbados Wetlands Trust (BWT), revealed that the trust would manage the sanctuary as a national asset. Its mission includes promoting nature conservation, engaging the local community, and fostering sustainable ecotourism.
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Acquired from the estate of its late owner, Peter Allard, just before Christmas, Graeme Hall boasts a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species, making it a vital natural habitat in Barbados. The sanctuary has historically served as a refuge for wildlife, a hub for environmental education, and a key ecotourism attraction.
Reviving Wildlife and Expanding Conservation Efforts
Plans are underway to import additional wildlife species to replenish the sanctuary’s exhibits, Da Silva confirmed, noting collaboration with the government’s Veterinary Department to ensure the proper restoration of the site’s character.
In addition to revitalizing Graeme Hall, the Barbados Wetlands Trust aims to extend its conservation efforts to other wetlands across the island, including Chancery Lane, Morgan Lewis, Long Pond, and River Bay in St. Lucy.
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“I think in large measure, a lot of Barbadians feel that Graeme Hall is the jewel in the wetland conservation crown,” Da Silva said. “But we also have other important wetlands that deserve conservation and can benefit the country and its people.”
A Vision for the Future
The purchase of the Graeme Hall ecosystem includes 33 acres of real estate and the sanctuary’s name, which will remain in use for now. The trust’s objectives include:
- Managing nature reserves to preserve Barbados’s unique ecosystems.
- Acquiring land to expand protected areas.
- Promoting ecotourism as a sustainable economic activity.
- Engaging communities through recreational, educational, and conservation programs.
Da Silva also emphasized the importance of ensuring the long-term ecological and financial sustainability of nature reserves under the trust’s stewardship.
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Addressing Past Challenges
To ensure the health of the sanctuary, the trust will conduct independent water quality assessments in the Graeme Hall Swamp, which has previously suffered from raw sewage contamination. The government has committed to supporting the sanctuary’s maintenance and improving the area’s environmental quality, particularly with plans to upgrade the South Coast Sewage Plant to a tertiary level.
Da Silva praised the government for its cooperation in facilitating the acquisition and expressed optimism about the sanctuary’s role in enhancing Barbados’s environmental and economic landscape.
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