🌿 Cayman Islands activists fight to preserve National Conservation Act

Local environmentalists in the Cayman Islands have launched a petition to rally public support against the government's proposed amendments to the National Conservation Act. The government's plans have sparked deep concern amongst activists, including Sustainable Cayman and other groups, who are urging citizens to contact their MPs and ask them not to support the amendments. The groups argue that the government's efforts to dismantle the systems ensuring accountability are not only anti-democratic but also authoritarian. 🌍

A group of concerned citizens, united under the banner of #Don’tPaveParadise, have also launched an online petition to protect the threatened legislation. Despite claiming to be non-political, the group has accused the UPM government of lying about the National Conservation Act hindering development. The group maintains that the Act doesn't stop necessary building, but ensures it is done properly. The group further clarifies that the ultimate authority on environmental impact assessments and land designation for protection always lies with the Cabinet, not the National Conservation Council. 🏞️

The managing director of Tower Marketing, Lynne Byles, stated that the #DontPaveParadise campaign provides a platform for people to speak out against unsustainable development and in support of the environment. As the government reviews the National Conservation Act, she encourages people to be vocal in demanding a more sustainable future. A Facebook group, Wetlands Thrive, Life Survives, has also issued a statement about the threat to the conservation law, emphasizing the need for comprehensive environmental impact assessments for government projects. 📣